The Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) is a huge, annual, parent-run event held in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization that was created in 1983 by Dr. Gerard K. Putz & Jack Cairns. It was established to increase kids’ interest in science. Olympiads actually started in Michigan & Delaware, and today, Olympiad has members in all 50 states with more than 13,500 active members in K-12 schools. As it turns out, Washtenaw County’s Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) is the biggest in the world!
WESO emphasizes a wide variety of events designed to target 2nd through 5th graders’ different skill sets so that whomever wants to participate can do so. Participants learn science through an interactive, hands-on, small-group approach. An entirely parent/volunteer-run event, involvement in WESO provides opportunities for students to extend their learning beyond the school day; practices take place after school and on the weekends. Last year, Summers-Knoll (SK) had six coaches, six events, and six teams. Nine SK students participated alongside 33 Washtenaw County elementary schools.
This year, SK’s participation has expanded significantly: we have 9 coaches, 10 events, 15 teams, and 15 students in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades! Huge shout out to all of the parent volunteers who make this possible!
The 2025 WESO Tournament will be held Sat, May 10th @ Pioneer High School. This day-long event offers something for everyone of all ages, even if your kids aren’t competing. There are all kinds of different hands-on activities – run by local community partners – that promote kids’ engagement, learning, and enthusiasm for science.
Mark your calendars and plan to drop in for a couple of hours or spend the day with your fellow SK Dragons!