What is Climate Science Olympiad?
Climate Science Olympiad (CSO) is an international competition that encourages students to explore the science of our climate system and develop solutions to the challenges associated with the current and future climate. The competition is designed to engage students in the process of scientific inquiry, while providing them with the opportunity to compete in a challenging and rewarding environment.
What is Climate Science?
Climate science is the study of the Earth’s climate system, which includes the atmosphere, oceans, land, ice sheets, and other components. Climate science examines how these components interact to produce our climate. It also looks at how the climate is changing over time and how this affects humans and the environment.
What Are the Objectives of Climate Science Olympiad?
The primary objectives of CSO are to:
• Increase student awareness and understanding of climate science
• Foster student enthusiasm for science and scientific inquiry
• Promote scientific collaboration and teamwork
• Prepare students for future science-related careers
• Provide an opportunity for students to gain recognition for their scientific accomplishments
How Does the Competition Work?
The Climate Science Olympiad is a three-stage competition. The first stage is a regional competition, where teams of students from local schools compete in a series of science challenges. The top teams from each region then advance to the national competition, where they compete in an expanded set of challenges. Finally, the top teams from the national competition go on to compete in the international competition, which is hosted by the International Science Olympiad.
What Are the Benefits of Participating in Climate Science Olympiad?
There are many benefits to participating in the Climate Science Olympiad. Students gain an invaluable experience in scientific inquiry and collaboration. They also learn valuable problem-solving and research skills. Finally, students who do well in the competition may earn scholarships and recognition for their achievements.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.