Future Scientists Take Center Stage At 2026 Elementary Science Olympiad

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Fifteen elementary school teams, including 14 from Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS), participated in the 2026 Elementary Science Olympiad Competition at The Clayton Center on Friday, March 27, 2026. The Science Olympiad is an event that the elementary students look forward to each year, giving 3rd through 5th-grade students a chance to dive into science in hands-on, real-world ways while working together and figuring things out as a team.

Teamwork was key in preparing for the event; students and coaches met weekly, sometimes multiple times per week, to practice and brainstorm ideas. They worked on their projects, learned new concepts, and helped improve their skills while supporting one another. 

“There is so much hard work that goes into preparing for the tournament from students, coaches, schools, and families, and it is really special to see all of that effort come together on competition day,” Kayla Boykin, JCPS K-8 Science Teaching and Learning Specialist, said.

The annual event includes 15 categories, three competition periods, and five events during each period. Some events were test events that required a deep knowledge of scientific topics, which included space, the human body, and dinosaur facts. 

Some of the engineering build challenges included: Just Plane Awesome, Ramp & Roll, and Ping Pong Parachute. The Ping Pong Parachute Event challenged students to design a bottle rocket that could withstand 40 pounds per square inch (PSI) and launch a ping-pong ball into the air that is attached to a parachute. Volunteers and staff timed the flight and descent of the ping-pong ball in its parachute to determine which team had the longest time.

The final and most anticipated challenge of the Science Olympiad for teams, coaches, and spectators was “Bridge-a-roni”. The goal was to build the lightest tower possible using only pasta and glue capable of supporting up to 10 kg of sand. The lightest tower that can support the most weight is deemed the winner.

“The energy in the building is incredible as students show what they have learned and cheer each other on,” Boykin remarked. “One of my favorite parts is seeing the sportsmanship and kindness between teams. It turns into a celebration of teamwork and a shared love of science!”

This year’s winners are:

• Polenta Elementary  – 1st Place
• West View Elementary – 2nd Place
• Corinth-Holders Elementary – 3rd Place
• Pine Level Elementary – 4th Place
• Glendale-Kenly Elementary – 5th Place