About the Science Olympiad
Founded in 1984, Science Olympiad is the premier team STEM competition in the nation, providing standards-based challenges to over 6,600 teams at 425 tournaments in all 50 states. It promotes scientific inquiry, hands-on problem-solving, and collaboration through a diverse range of rigorous, standards-based challenges for middle and high school students at local, state, and national levels. Students develop practical skills and a strong foundation in STEM by competing in building events, lab experiments, and written tests, often working in pairs within a 15-student team. Become a member through your State Chapter to play.
2026 NEBRASKA STATE TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Tournament Date
Saturday April 18, 2026
Location
UNL - EAST CAMPUS
Lincoln, NE 68503 MAP
State Director
Register Your Team for the State Tournament
TEAM REGISTRATION
Event and Student Registration will be available in March.
State Tournament Documents and Forms
2026 Division B State Schedule
2026 Division C State Schedule
Documents for Coaches - Required Tournament Forms and More
(more to come)
What's New at the 2026 State Tournament
NO OPENING CEREMONY
The Middle School Parade of Flags will be held at the closing ceremony
Coaches Meeting
- Will be held in the Student Union - Great Plains Room at 8:20 am
- This meeting is OPTIONAL.
- All Coaches need to check-in between 7:15 am and 8:15 am at the Student Union 3rd Floor to pick up the team folder.
Bungee Drop C in Nebraska has NEW RULES
- There will only be TWO DROPS for ONE HEIGHT. Follow the new rules below
- Heavy Mass Option for 2nd Drop is still available for bonus points if successful.
- Bonus Drop offered only if either of the first two drops HS is between 0 and 20 cm (30 cm at regionals.)
Downtime Activities from 3:05 - 5:05
- Currently being determined. Check back soon! (Will be something new.)
- Optional
Getting Ready for the Tournament: A panel of Science Olympiad coaches representing Middle School and High School programs from around the country tackled questions and offered last minute tips to ensure that your team has a great tournament experience.