Michigan 2010-2011

[winneratlife]

Discussion thread for everyone participating in Science Olympiad in Michigan this year.

[packer-backer91]

Wow, there really are not too many from Michigan on here, that’s odd considering we have the second most teams only behind New York. I'm going to make as safe bet for the results at State going to be very similar to last year with Gran Haven winning and West Ottawa/Troy or another region 12 team that fight for second place Grand Haven has not gotten the championship once in my six years of Science Olympiad. So who will be this year's break out school? There last year there were some teams that made large improvements and others that took a step back.

[JustDroobles]

I'm from Michigan too!

Of course Grand Haven will go... If somehow they don't take first, they'll take second. I would guess that we'll see another Region 12 team, rather than Troy, go to nationals with them.

[winneratlife]

My longterm goal is to overthrow somebody for second place senior year, but yes, this year, Grand Haven will go.

I also kind of want to say Troy though, since all of their powerhouses from last year were juniors, I believe.

[HannahD413]

Is it just me, or does the west side (Grand Rapids, Grand Haven) generally do better at states?

[winneratlife]

Is it just me, or does the west side (Grand Rapids, Grand Haven) generally do better at states?

It's not just you.

Personally, I think it's because Country Day, IA, Troy, and yes, even my school Athens try too hard at other things. We do reasonably well in math competitions, Fed challenge, FPS, and a slew of other things, while Grand Haven dedicates themselves to SciO. Consequently, they pwn us at SciO.

[JustDroobles]

Is it just me, or does the west side (Grand Rapids, Grand Haven) generally do better at states?

I's not just West Side, it's Region 12. The top 4 in the state last year for C were from Region 12 and the top 3 for B. And there were many other high placing Region 12 schools as well.

[HannahD413]

Is it just me, or does the west side (Grand Rapids, Grand Haven) generally do better at states?

It's not just you.

Personally, I think it's because Country Day, IA, Troy, and yes, even my school Athens try too hard at other things. We do reasonably well in math competitions, Fed challenge, FPS, and a slew of other things, while Grand Haven dedicates themselves to SciO. Consequently, they pwn us at SciO.

I actually attend the IA and am competing as a ninth grader on my middle school team. It is not bad for them to be well rounded.

Also, for being quite small, region 12 has a lot of good teams. Does anyone have any insight on why, other than being focused on Science Olympiad, they do so well? I was just wondering if it could be geographic, with the density of teams being a factor.

[JustDroobles]

Also, for being quite small, region 12 has a lot of good teams. Does anyone have any insight on why, other than being focused on Science Olympiad, they do so well? I was just wondering if it could be geographic, with the density of teams being a factor.

Maybe everyone works harder because they're trying to beat Grand Haven even at Regional level?

[HannahD413]

Does anybody know how many teams from region 12 go to states?

[packer-backer91]

last year:
C = top 6 teams
B = top 10 teams

I think they should post the number of teams that make it from each region on the Michigan SO page.

[HannahD413]

You are right, but they have to know how many teams are registered in the region, because the amount that go to states is proportional to the total number of teams. I vaguely recall see that somewhere on the site later in the year, maybe.

All of the top 10 B division teams from last year were from regions 12 (6 of the top 10), 6 (2 of the teams), 8 (1 team), and 7 (1 team).

I am currently trying to make a map of the teams with regard to their placing, unless there is already one out there I could look at. If anyone knows of one, please let me know.

[rocketchicka]

At our regionals, the top 2 B teams go to states and the top 3 C teams. I'm really hoping my team (Superior Central) does well this year.

[packer-backer91]

My region had two teams (region 3) go to State last year for both div.’s. My middle school did quite well finished 11th, my team a disappointing 24. The other div C team from my region did not do well but that was there first ever time being able to go to state so it would be my hope that my old region keep the two teams to go to state because it definitely will improve the competition in the Region which is good for all teams involved. That has already happened on the div B level where after a few years at the bottom last year finished mid pack. So has anyone else noticed when there is generally a lack of comp. in region makes the winners do badly at state, that correlation has been going on for at least the last 6 years for my div C team where because in middle school we knew that we would crush the other teams so by the time we got to div C not too many people would commit the time necessary to become successful at the state level. Every year would start jokingly this is the year we will not win regionals which hasn't happened but the advantage has become less. Do any others worry about their commitment on their team?

[HannahD413]

Is it the top two at states from each division that go to nationals, or is it different?