BJHS Science Challenge gives venue for youth to expand tech knowledge

MADISON – Fun times with friends rarely involves working on technical subjects, but the BJHS Science Challenge will intersperse testing with hands-on activities in small groups.

This science-based competition will test students’ knowledge of biology, physics and chemistry with fun labs and additional contests. The Science Challenge is open to all students in third, fourth and fifth grades in home schools, private schools and Madison and Huntsville city schools.

The challenge on April 2 will open at 8:30 a.m. at Bob Jones. To end the event, the award ceremony is scheduled from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Neha Chopade and Puja Chopade conceptualized the idea for the Science Challenge and are coordinating the promotion and gameday activities. Registration will close on March 19. The event is free to participants.

“The BJHS Science Challenge is an exciting in-person event for students in grades 3-5 who are interested in science. For each grade, the event includes a 45-minute test, followed by additional contests, labs and activities,” Neha Chopade said.

“Winners will receive trophies and medals and will be invited to participate in the 2021-2022 Science Academy Program,” Puja Chopade said. “Winners will also be recognized on the Science Challenge website.”

All students will receive free pizza and snacks.

In the events, the 45-minute Multiple Choice Test will have 40 questions. Students cannot use calculators; bring a pencil and eraser. The event includes three open-ended tiebreakers.

For the Poster Contest, students should complete their design work at home and bring the completed poster to the challenge. Contestants also can spell out “SCIENCE ACADEMY” using science-themed letters. “Be colorful and creative,” Puja said.

Contestants also can work at home on the Cartoon Contest. Students should draw an original cartoon explaining only one of the following science concepts: immune system, chemical reactions, pH scale, mitosis, symbiosis or simple machines.

Also a work-at-home project, the Rotational Motion Race requires the student’s own materials to create two objects that roll down a ramp (the object MUST roll, not slide). “The goal is for one to roll the fastest and the second to roll the slowest,” Neha said.

“During the competition, your objects will be raced against other students’. The object MUST completely roll on itself (for example, cars with wheels are not allowed, but a standalone wheel is allowed.),” Puja said.

An opening ceremony will start at 9 a.m. At 9:15 a.m., testing starts and runs to 10:30 a.m., when each contestant can enjoy one free snack.

Labs and workshops will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The activities include Chemistry Cake Walk, HudsonAlpha Lab (limited occupancy), Stethoscope/Blood Pressure Lab and Microscope Lab.

During lunch at noon, competitors will receive two free slices of pizza.

All participants must wear a face mask amid the threat of COVID-19.

Neha and Puja express thanks to the sponsors, i3 Cares and HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology.

Registration will close on March 19. To register, visit https://forms.gle/PkZSHxa8seF5vi1R7. For more information, email bjhsscienceacademy@gmail.com or visit sites.google.com/view/bjhsscience.