To kick-off the upcoming Science Olympiad season, Indiana University Northwest will host a coaches’ clinic for teachers from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12 and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 in the Savannah Gymnasium and Marram Hall.

The training event will serve as an introduction for those wishing to participate in the 2013 Science Olympiad competition, which will take place in February. Attendees will learn interesting science facts and experience hands-on activities related to up to 16 Science Olympiad events.

Each February, approximately 300 students from middle and high schools convene at IU Northwest to participate in more than 50 carefully planned and coordinated science and engineering competitions. This will be the 12^th consecutive year IU Northwest has served as one of the host sites for the Science Olympiad, which takes place around the state.

Science Olympiad represents an ideal opportunity for middle and high school students to meet and interact with scientists, academicians, college students, local engineers, and community members in a competitive, yet enjoyable setting. Tournaments are designed to: emphasize problem-solving aspects of science and the understanding of scientific concepts; develop teamwork and cooperative learning strategies among students; and demonstrate that students can perform at levels that surpass expectations even of practicing scientists and engineers.

The fee to attend the clinic is $50. To register or to learn more, please contact Linda Wozniewski at (219) 980-6637 or lwoz@iun.edu.

For information about parking at IU Northwest, including a new practice for issuing temporary visitors’ permits, please visit http://www.iun.edu/parking/.