Science Olympiad
Get ready for Science Olympiad!
Purdue University Northwest has been hosting Indiana Science Olympiad Tournaments for more than two decades. This year, we are proud to host a Regional Wildcard Tournament on March 14, 2026. We are excited to see what the top middle and high school students have for us!
Volunteer at Science Olympiad
Were you on your middle school’s Science Olympiad? Do you like watching science clips on YouTube? Do you need some volunteer hours?
Up to 12 hours of volunteer time is possible, with volunteers needed for prep time in the days leading up to the event and then from early morning to late afternoon on Saturday, March 14.
Fill Out the Volunteer Registration Form
If you have questions, please contact Adam Rengstorf.
About Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization that organizes the events that middle school and high school students compete in at regional, state and national competitions. These competitions include a collection of 23 events covering STEM topics including life sciences; earth and space sciences; physical sciences and chemistry; technology and engineering; and inquiry and the nature of science. This broad range of topics provides a suitable fit for any student interested in the STEM fields.
A group of students gather for a photo at our 2024 Science Olympiad.
Students and PNW staff interact in one of our labs for a demonstration.
Students from Whiting visit campus and gather for group photo along with their teacher.
Two students present their project to staff at the 2024 Science Olympiad.
Students from the John Adams Science Olympiad gather for a group photo.
PNW staff observe student projects in action.Two students present their project to staff at the 2024 Science Olympiad.
Students from the St. Thomas More Science Olympiad gather with their teachers for a group photo.
Students from Munster High School Science Olympiad and other high schools all gather inside a PNW lab as they work to solve a problem.
Students participating in the 2024 Science Olympiad meet in the Fitness Recreational Gym.
Students from the PHS Science Olympiad meet for a group photo alongside their teacher in a PNW classroom.
Students prepare to present their project at the 2024 Science Olympiad.
John Durcoher, professor of Integrative Health Sciences at PNW, enjoys his time at the 2024 Science Olympiad.
PNW Campus Information
- Buses will park in the 169th Street Lot. Buses may pick up students up after the awards ceremony in the FRC parking lot.
- Cars: Parking is available in the 169th Street Lot and 173rd Street Lot.
- Hotels: Hotels are located in the area and are a short drive from campus. Unfortunately, we are sorry that we are unable to provide a group rate for hotels this year.
About Us
Tournament Director
Associate Dean, College of Engineering and Sciences | Associate Professor of Astrophysics
(219) 989-2327
Hammond Campus, GYTE 252
Event Coordinators
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
(219) 785-5318
Westville Campus, TECH 285
Professor of Physics
(219) 989-2375
Hammond Campus, GYTE 269
Any items that should be impounded should be taken to the room in which the competition is going to take place. The room will be open and staffed by a volunteer between 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
If one of your students is late you can take the item to GYTE 181 and ask the person at the desk to contact the Regional Tournament Director.
We will not know the answer to this question until late March or early April. Sometimes, we find out just in time for our State Tournament. As soon as we know we will post the answer.
All scores are kept private throughout the day. Absolutely no posting of times/scores/etc. will take place at the Regional or the State Tournament.
Each team’s head coach will be provided one copy of the final scores following the awards ceremony.
Emergency Contact Information
IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL (219) 989-2222
To report emergencies: From a University phone, dial 2222 to reach Campus Police, Fire, or Ambulance. For non-emergencies, dial (219) 989-2222. There are more than 40 Emergency Telephones (aka blue lights) throughout campus that connect directly to the Purdue Northwest Police Department (PNWPD). If you feel threatened or need help, push the button and you will be connected immediately.
- Emergency Room Location: Community Hospital Munster 901 Macarthur Blvd, Munster, IN 46321
- Tournament Headquarters: GYTE 181
- Arbitration: GYTE 181
- Scoring: GYTE 181
Adam W. Rengstorf, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, College of Engineering and Sciences | Associate Professor of Astrophysics
Adam Rengstorf teaches all levels of physics lecture and lab courses, general-education astronomy courses, and upper-level astrophysics courses. He also oversees all observing campaigns and undergraduate research projects at PNW’s NIRo observatory.
(219) 989-2327