Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virginia Science Olympiad?
Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO) is affliated with the National Science Olympiad Organization. VASO is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, creating a passion for learning science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education-by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, professional development workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state, national and international academic interscholastic tournaments.
Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of events that reflect the gamut of scientific and engineering disciplines: earth science, chemistry, physics, geology, and mechanical engineering and technology (to name but a few). Teams consist of up to 15 students and the events are generally completed by groups of 2-3 students. Events tend to run in 50-minute intervals throughout the day and could be taking a test, performing a lab, or testing a device that has previously been built.
How do I start a team?
First you should probably read the New Team Information Guide. To participate in Science Olympiad, you will need to register a team. After we received your payment, we will send you an official Rules Manual. The Rules Manual will provide detailed descriptions for events for the upcoming year.
I need help! Who should I contact?
The following table will provide names and email addresses of individuals who can answer your questions related to a specific area
| Area | Name | |
| Registration (Div. B and Div. C) | Anita Sahai | ASahai@fcps.edu |
| General - Website/Links | Anirudh Khandelwal | Anirudh.Khandelwal@virginiaso.com |
| General - Science Olympiad | Peggy Flaxman | PeggyFlaxman@virginiaso.com |
Where can I find information on the tournaments?
VASO generally runs two regional competitions and one state competition. This information can be found under our Tournaments section.
Could you please provide a timeline for the year?
The following is a timeline for the VASO year:
| Registration | September 2011 – December 2011 |
| Coaches Clinic | October 22, 2011 |
| Invitational Tournaments | January – February |
| Longfellow Regional Tournament | February 18, 2012 |
| Langley Regional Tournament | February 25, 2012 |
| State Tournament | Date & Location TBD |
| National Tournament | May 18-19, 2012 |
| VASO Annual Meeting | June 2012 |