Teams

Welcome to the 41st Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament, hosted by University of Nebraska- Lincoln (UNL) with the support of Science Olympiad. This tournament represents the highest level of science competition for middle and high schools across the nation. We have lined up many fun events for teams on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24. We hope that you will enjoy your time in Lincoln — there are so many things that you can do in the area, both on and off campus. 

Tournament Check-In 

Trial Events 

Trial events will be offered on Friday during the STEM Expo.  Please see the official Division B or C rules manual for event details. Events offered: 

  • Agricultural Science - Division B 
  • Botany - Division C  
  • Engineering CAD - Divisions B/C 
  • Hovercraft - Divisions B/C  
  • Protein Modeling- Division  C  
  • Remote Sensing- Division B 

Trial Events Schedule

Tournament Day 

Event Clarifications  

Coming soon. 

Competition Format 

The 2025 Science Olympiad National Tournament will take place on the campus of University of Lincoln Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. All events will be based on the 2025 Rules Manual. Please make sure you have checked the Rules Clarifications page and Rules Correction page prior to the tournament for any rule changes. 

Ceremonies 

The Opening and Closing and Awards Ceremonies will be held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Please see the Devaney policies.  

Opening Ceremony 

  • Friday, May 23, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.) 
  • Dress Code: Casual—feel free to wear what you traveled in or your attire for the STEM Expo. 
  • The Opening Ceremony is a celebration of Science Olympiad and the accomplishments of the teams that have qualified for the national tournament. It begins with the Parade of States and includes remarks and welcomes from notable individuals. The ceremony concludes with participation from students, coaches, parents, and supervisors who each read their respective pledges aloud. A special guest will be announced soon! 

Parade of States 

  • Practice: Friday, May 23, 5:30 p.m., Location  
  • There are many things that make the National Tournament a memorable experience, one of which is being able to compete against students from across the country. During the Opening Ceremony of the National Tournament, the annual Parade of States showcases and celebrates the teams in attendance and provides a space for them to show their state pride! 
  • Teams are encouraged to select up to four individuals for the Parade of States. You are encouraged (not required) to bring a school banner/flag and a state flag for the parade (these are encouraged, not required). Many schools dress up for the parade as something that represents their school/region/state; this is encouraged, not required. 
  • Please note: No items can be thrown into the audience; no inflatables. 

Awards and Closing Ceremony 

  • Saturday, May 24, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. (seating opens at 7:00 p.m.) 
  • Dress Code: The attire is a step up from the casual dress code of the Opening Ceremony. While not mandatory, most teams opt for business or formal wear. Suits and dresses are appropriate but not required. 
  • The Awards and Closing Ceremony is a celebration of the individual event winners and overall team performance. A video will highlight footage from the two days in Lincoln before the presentation of the Division B and C medals and special prizes and other recognitions.