This is a list of common questions we have recieved. If any questions arise and are not answered below, feel free to contact us at ufso.eboard@floridascienceolympiad.org.
- Register your team with Florida Science Olympiad and pay the registration fee, unless you have already done so. A one-time registration payment covers all levels of competition, at the regional, state, and national levels.
- Select to attend the Florida State Tournament.
- Each competing student must complete the Press Release, Medical Form, Participant Information / OYCS Form. These forms can be either emailed to us or brought to check-in on the day of competition.
- All coaches must fill out the Regional/State Transportation Form, the Final Registration Form (disregard form title), the Coach Information OYCS Form (not needed for 2024 tournament), and the Hotel Information Form.
- Make sure to to submit the Press Release, Medical, and Final Registration Forms here. These are the most important forms.
- Complete Self-Scheduling on Scilympiad for designated events.
- Check ALL event rules and clarifications.
- Make sure your students know the rules for their events and follow them on competition day! Our supervisors will adhere strictly to them and it is imperative that you follow the rules if you want to succeed.
- *** Frequently read through the National Rules Clarifications posted for your events. NSO Rules Clarifications
- ***Frequently read through the Florida Rules Clarifications posted for your events. FSO Rules Clarifications
- Frequently read through the National Event FAQ’s posted for your events. Division B | Division C
- Understand the NSO policies regarding events and competition. Policies
- Gather all Press Release and other applicable forms to bring to tournament (if not already emailed).
- Check scores. Team rankings and raw scores will be made available on the Florida Science Olympiad website as well as on our website under Resources > Archive > Past Tests and Scores soon after the end of the awards ceremony.
- Submit inquiries. If you have any questions regarding the scores or tests, please email ufso.eboard@floridascienceolympiad.org, and we will either directly answer your questions or direct your email to the appropriate Event Supervisor.
- Send feedback. We appreciate feedback from our competitors, coaches, parents, and volunteers alike. Please submit your feedback through our feedback form.
Disagree with an Event Supervisor: If you disagree with the way an Event Supervisor is enforcing the rules, these are the appropriate steps you should take IN THIS ORDER.
Ask the Event Supervisor to point to the location of the disagreement in the rules, FAQ, or Rules Clarification.
Politely ask the Event Supervisor if they can explain their interpretation of the rules.
Explain your interpretation of the rules and ask what the Event Supervisor thinks of it.
If a consensus cannot be reached, notify the Event Supervisor you would like to file an Arbitration.
Leave your device at the event site with the Event Supervisor, leave the competition area to get an arbitration form from your coach, and fill it out and bring it to headquarters. The arbitration form can be found here: Arbitration Form
The arbitration committee will review your arbitration and notify your coach on a decision when one has been reached.
Science Olympiad Student Center
The Wiki has information on every event and is a great place to get started. Wiki
The Forums are a place for competitors, coaches, and organizers to discuss events and get help. Forums
The Image Gallery contains images of past devices that can help you get a better idea of what to build. Image Gallery
The Test Exchange contains tests from other tournaments that can help you practice for competition. Test Exchange
National Science Olympiad
Recommended resources from NSO to help you prepare in your events for competition. Division B | Division C
Understand and practice using the NSO scoresheets and team checklists. These will be used to score teams at competition! Scoresheets
Study Event Resources:
The Test Exchange contains tests from other tournaments that can help you practice for competition. Test Exchange
OpenStax is a free resource that provides high quality textbooks for a wide range of subjects including but not limited to anatomy and physiology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, microbiology, and physics. OpenStax Textbooks
Ilectureonline has over 6,000 videos made by Michel Van Biezen teaching specific topics in astronomy, chemistry, math, mechanical and electrical engineering, and physics. ilectureonline
Wolfram Alpha is an answer search engine that offers specific responses to data inputs for various scientific disciplines. This is a great resource for practicing math and computational problems. Wolfram Alpha
Golden Gate Science Olympiad Resource Center: GGSO has pages fora few events that providing introductory information and tips on how to study for events based on the opinions and experiences of their Execuitve Board, many of whom are national medalists. GGSO Resource Center
Build Event Resources:
The Image Gallery contains images of past devices that can help you get a better idea of what to build. Image Gallery
YouTube contains instructional and demonstrative videos for each build event. Youtube
The Scratch website offers free tutorials and practice for Game On. Scratch
Lab Event Resources:
This Online Breadboard Simulator will allow you to virtually practice using a breadboard for Circuit Lab. Online Breadboard Simulator
SOINC: This is the official Science Olympiad page for Circuit Lab. They list links to educational resources as well as the Lab score sheet.
Parking details will be included in the tournament logistics packet and event map before competition day.
Most teams will park in designated UF campus parking garages or lots near the competition buildings.
Buses will have specific unloading and parking zones—these will be marked on the official map once finalized.
Please make sure to follow UF Transportation & Parking Services rules to avoid citations.
Where should I report at the start of the day?
All teams should report to Tournament Headquarters (HQ) at the start of the day to check in.
HQ location and signage will be clearly marked on the map released with the logistics packet.
Coaches should bring event materials, safety forms, and student rosters to the check-in table.
Where are the rooms and how do I check my schedules or time blocks?
Room locations for each event will be listed on the final event schedule, posted on the official UF Science Olympiad website.
Each team’s event schedule and time block will be emailed to the coach and included in the competition day packet.
Signs will be placed in main buildings to help guide teams to their events.
The competition takes place across various University of Florida academic buildings in Gainesville, FL.
Team check-in is located at Tournament HQ, which will also serve as the main help desk throughout the day.
Updated maps and directions will be published closer to the event date.
We’ll provide detailed transportation info in the logistics packet and on our website before the event.
Options include:
UF Campus Buses (RTS) – Free for everyone on the day of competition.
Walking – Most event buildings are within walking distance on campus.
Ride-share services – Uber, Lyft, and local taxis are available across Gainesville.
Rental Escooters - Electric Scooters are available throughout campus through apps with drop off and pick up areas
Event buildings vary each year but are typically in engineering and science complexes on campus.
The awards ceremony is usually held in a large lecture hall or auditorium, such as Carleton Auditorium or the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom.
A detailed map will be shared closer to the event and posted online.
Yes! Visitors are welcome to explore the UF campus after the competition.
We will include links to UF Admissions Tours and virtual campus maps on the website for teams interested in learning more about UF.
When are results released?
Awards will be announced during the Awards Ceremony at the end of competition day.
Full results and rankings will be posted on the UF Science Olympiad website within a few days after the event.
Please email ufscienceolympiad@gmail.com with any feedback, questions, or concerns.
During competition day, the Tournament HQ Help Desk will also handle any urgent issues in person.
Check the 'Get involved' Page for more information and make sure to keep an eye out on our socials for volunteer forms and opportunities.
UF students can volunteer to help run events, assist teams, or join the UF Science Olympiad Club.
Sign-ups for volunteers and event supervisors will be linked on our website under “Get Involved.”
No! High school coaches, alumni, and community members can also volunteer or help mentor teams.
Contact us if you’d like to help with event setup, logistics, or judging.