The Countdown to Science Olympiad 2027 has Officially Begun!
Hello Coaches!
A new season means new events, new challenges, and new opportunities for students to discover what they can achieve. We are excited to partner with you as we begin another incredible year of STEM learning and competition.
This email will include:
What's New This Year
The 2027 Slate of Events
Coaches Clinic Information
Registration for State and National Team Membership
What Are the Membership Fees Used For?
Newsletter vs. Coach News
What's New Next Year
New Tournament - Lincoln Regional Science Olympiad Tournament - Hosted by ESU#18! We are so excited to partner with ESU#18. They will be looking for a few coaches to help them plan and run the tournament next Spring. Contact Dee Johansen if interested.
New Scoring System -Avogadro Online Scoring System - Our previous online scoring system has been retired and we will move forward with Avogadro next season at the state tournament. It will be up to regional directors to choose what they want to use.
New Teams - We already have 2 new teams! Welcome Waverly Middle School and Laurel Concord Coleridge High School! We will still be offering free membership to new teams in the 2026-2027 season. Spread the word!
New (or Returning) Division B Events - Botany, Thermodynamics, Food Science, Elastic Launch Glider, Roller Coaster and Ping Pong Parachute.
New (or Returning) Division C Events - Botany, Thermodynamics, Protein Modeling, Mission Possible, Wright Stuff, and Ping Pong Parachute.
New Trial Events - All except (maybe) one trial event will be new over last year. More information in September.
If you lose a coach email, you can always go to the Nebraska Science Olympiad website. Everything you should be found there as well.
The 2027 Event Slate
Want the full list? All of the 2027 events are posted! Check them out.
(Event rules are not available yet - but I heard they are coming soon!)
Coaches Clinic Returns This Fall!
After a successful inaugural Coaches Clinic in 2025-2026 season, we are excited to bring it back! The official date for the clinic will be Saturday, October 10th.
If you are already coming to town for NATS on Oct 8 - 10, we hope you will join us on Saturday when you can. Maybe this will save a few people a trip.
This year's clinic will feature even more presenters and will focus on as many of the new Science Olympiad events as possible, giving coaches practical tips, event insights, and time to ask questions before the season gets underway. We will also try to be more hands-on if possible.
Are you an event expert? We'd love to have you share your knowledge! If you're interested in presenting, please contact Dee.
We're also pleased to once again offer stipends for attendees and presenters, along with travel stipends for eligible coaches traveling from well outside the Omaha area.
Stay tuned for registration details and the full agenda—we look forward to seeing you this fall!
Registration for the State and National Team Membership for the 2027 Season is OPEN
Competition Teams Membership is $150 for the year
Exhibition Team Membership is $75 for the year
Due before you attend any 2026-2027 Tournament in or out outside of Nebraska
You do not need to supply team member names until you attend a tournament
One question we occasionally receive is why Science Olympiad teams pay two separate $75 membership fees—one to the National Science Olympiad organization and one to Nebraska Science Olympiad.
Although the fees are the same amount, they support different parts of the program.
National Science Olympiad Membership ($75) helps fund:
Development of new events and annual rule manuals
National event supervisors and committees
National tournament operations
Insurance and organizational support
Resources and training available to all member teams across the country
Nebraska Science Olympiad Membership ($75) stays here in Nebraska and supports:
Regional and State Tournament planning, operations, and supplies
Coach support and communication throughout the season
Volunteer recruitment and training
New team outreach and program growth
Coaches Clinic and professional development opportunities
Website, event scoring systems, awards, and other administrative costs
Together, these memberships help ensure that students have access to a high-quality Science Olympiad experience—from their first invitational tournament all the way to the National Tournament.
Thank you for supporting Science Olympiad and helping us provide outstanding STEM opportunities for students across Nebraska!
Newsletter vs. Coach News
We've received a few questions about the difference between the Nebraska Science Olympiad Newsletter and Nebraska Coach News.
Nebraska Science Olympiad Newsletter
The newsletter is for anyone interested in Science Olympiad in Nebraska, including coaches, parents, volunteers, tournament officials, STEM partners, and supporters. It features program updates, team highlights, upcoming events, and is typically published once a month.
Nebraska Coach News
Coach News is designed primarily for registered coaches and provides important season updates, deadlines, tournament information, and reminders. Most of this information is also available on the Nebraska Science Olympiad website.
We'd Love to Feature Your Team!
Have a great Science Olympiad story or photo to share? Send Dee a photo and a short description—and you may be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity.
