The spirit of discovery was in full force as we hosted our annual Science Olympiad for fourth and fifth-grade students. This year’s competition brought together 170 participants from across the district to engage in hands-on challenges that bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world engineering.
The heart of the Science Olympiad is about curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Students spent weeks preparing to test and troubleshoot in a high-energy environment that brings the Next Generation Science Standards to life.
“Students learn by doing,” said Dina Pappas, District K-5 Science & Social Studies and K-8 Health Curriculum Specialist. “They adapt, they test, they redesign, and problem-solve, working side by side with their peers. Our students did such a great job with their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.”
This event's success is a testament to the "village" of District 64. Special thanks go to event coordinators: Jayme Bojicic, Katie Giannini, Renee Fath, Elaine Apostol, and Greg Knapowski. We also extend our gratitude to the parent coaches, judges, custodial staff, and the administrative team, including Charissa Atkins and Lynn Barabasz, who meticulously organized the event kits behind the scenes.
Congratulations to this year’s winners! View photos from the 2026 Science Olympiad.
AERODYNAMICS
- 1st Place: Field - (Gr. 5) Joey K. & Jeff W. (73”)
- 2nd Place: Field - (Gr. 4 & 5) Mason S. & Karim S. (95”)
- 3rd Place: Carpenter - (Gr. 4) Cade B., Nicholas T., Gaven S. (99”)
EGG DROP
- 1st Place: Field - (Gr. 4) August L., Keegan M., & Parker H. (12 feet) and Franklin - (Gr. 5) Serena C. & Jaxon G. (12 feet)
- 2nd Place: Field - (Gr. 5 ) Marion G., Colleen C. & Nina B. (10 feet)
- 3rd Place: Franklin - (Gr. 4) Juliana V., Vivan B., & Laura H. (9 feet), and Washington - (Gr. 5) Sean L. & Chase H. (9 feet)
MYSTERY BOX
- 1st Place: Carpenter - (Gr. 5) Orestes R., Sawyer L., John M.
- 2nd Place: Field - (Gr. 5) Lirianna D. & Daisy K.
- 3rd Place: Carpenter - (Gr 5) Charlotte M., Kaia B., Emma W.
RUBBERBAND CATAPULT
- 1st Place: Franklin - (Gr. 5) Juliette G., Claire P., Rosina G.
- 2nd Place: Carpenter - (Gr. 4) Logan F., Duncan L., Anthony K.
- 3rd Place: Carpenter & Roosevelt - (Gr. 5 & 4) Emily V. & Andrew P.
STRUCTURES
- 1st Place: Franklin (Gr. 4) Sofia T. & Safia A. (30 inches)
- 2nd Place: Carpenter - (Gr. 4) Stasiu W. & Matthew R. (25 inches)
- 3rd Place: Field - (Gr. 4 & 5) Levi S., Aleksander M., Edgar H. (24.25 inches)