DuPont, The George Washington University to Host 800 Students From Across the United States at Invit

Jan 24, 11:03 AM

The one-day tournament prepares emerging Science Olympiad teams for their regional and state tournaments, leading to the 2008 Science Olympiad National Tournament May 30 - 31, in Washington. The national tournament, also sponsored by DuPont and hosted by The George Washington University, is expected to draw over 5,000 students, parents and educators to the university's Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses.

Dr. Sujata K. Bhatia, a medical research scientist with DuPont Central Research and Development, will deliver the keynote address at the Jan. 26 Invitational's opening ceremonies.

"The mission of the Science Olympiad is to promote student interest in science and to improve the quality of K-12 science education throughout the United States," said Uma Chowdhry, DuPont senior vice president and chief science and technology officer. "DuPont is a science company. We embrace the mission of the Science Olympiad organization -- 'to create a passion for learning science by supporting elementary and secondary schools at all levels, with an emphasis on teamwork and commitment to excellence.' We have actively supported science education since our founding in 1802."

"We are honored to have DuPont and The George Washington University join together to bring the Science Olympiad National Tournament to our nation's capital," said Gerard Putz, president of the National Science Olympiad. "We all value the fact that the Olympiad brings science to life and shows how science works. The Olympiad makes science education more exciting so more students will enroll in science courses and engage in other science activities, like science reading, fairs and field trips."

Competitions in 50 events will include a series of team events, aligned with the National Science Standards and balanced among the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology. The competitions require knowledge of science concepts, process skills and science applications. Teams reach the national tournament after winning local, regional and state competitions throughout the United States.

For more information about the Jan. 26 Invitational Tournament and the 2008 Science Olympiad National Tournament, students and coaches are requested to call 202-242-1960 or e-mail nso2008@gwu.edu.

The Science Olympiad is an international, non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, training workshops, and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state and national tournaments.

The George Washington University (GW) was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, it is the largest institution of higher education in the nation's capital. The university offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate liberal arts programs as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 130 countries.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 80 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food, building and construction, communications, and transportation.

DuPont

CONTACT: Michelle Reardon of DuPont, +1-302-774-7447,michelle.s.reardon@usa.dupont.com; or Michelle Sherrard of The GeorgeWashington University, +1-202-994-1423, mcs1@gwu.edu

Web site: http://www.dupont.com/ DuPont, The George Washington University to Host 800 Students From Across the United States at Invit
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