Matthew Siracusa and Aidan Voorhees from Devon Prep check in for the Bridge Building competition.

Hundreds of young scientists presented their inventions and tested their science knowledge in dozens of events at the 2016 Southeastern Pennsylvania Science Olympiad Regional Competition on March 2 right here on campus.

	Vishesh from Garnet Valley Middle School wore a t-shirt that captured the theme of the day.

Students from 25 middle schools and 34 high schools in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties competed for medals in two age groups (grades 6-9 and grades 9-12) and for a place in the state competition.

This year’s events included Bottle Rockets, Bridge Building, Elastic Launch Gliders, Electric Vehicles, Robot Arms, and Wind Power.

“We’re seeing the future that could be teaching here,” said Dr. Sylvia Riviello, head of Neumann’s Math and Science Department. “They’ll be the ones doing pharmaceutical research, they’ll be the ones to find a cure for cancer, they have all the opportunities because there is so much more to the traditional roles we know and this gives them the chance to see new, exciting opportunities.”

Launched in 1985, Science Olympiad is now one of the premiere science competitions in the nation. The organization’s events challenge students, teach them about career choices, and introduce them to practicing scientists.

Julia Mayro (pink goggles) and Tabby Ford (green goggles) from St. Basil Academy in Jenkintown work on their bridge-building project.

Matthew Shen and Neal O’Brien from Downingtown STEM Academy get ready to set up their air trajectory device.