Online Tournament Formats
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, National Science Olympiad adapted its tournament formats to accommodate a variety of circumstances across states and schools. Each format was designed with safety and accessibility in mind, allowing states to choose the most suitable method of delivery while adhering to local public health regulations. While initially developed in response to pandemic-related disruptions, these formats continue to offer flexibility for tournaments across the country. Currently, Gold Standard is the most commonly used format, though Satellite SO and Mini SO are still utilized by a handful of tournaments based on local needs.
The Gold Standard is the traditional in-person, single-location tournament model, and is the default tournament model. Satellite SO was intended for students attending school in a physical building but where large public gatherings were restricted, and currently continues to be used by tournaments to facilitate participation by teams from across the country while reducing the impact of long distance travel. Teams participate by taking tests and recording results, either synchronously or asynchronously. Mini SO was designed for distance learning scenarios, delivering online tests through various technology platforms, notably Scilympiad.
In addition to these formats, MY SO was a supplementary program that spanned 9 months, offering thematic, calendar-based resources to keep students engaged in Science Olympiad subjects. Each month focused on a popular topic such as Forestry or Cybersecurity and provided free resources like Lesson Plans and STEM Sessions. This program could either stand alone or support any regular Science Olympiad season.
Satellite SO
Satellite SO is a tournament format originally developed for situations where students were attending school in person but no central host site was available. While it emerged during the pandemic—when large gatherings were restricted or schools were unable to host—it continues to be used by some tournaments to accommodate teams from across the country and reduce the burden of long-distance travel.
In this format, teams take tests and record the results of build events under the supervision of teachers at their own schools, then submit them remotely to the tournament host. All participants are required to sign a safety waiver and agree to an honor code to ensure fair play during the competition.
Many tournaments in the 2021 season considered the Satellite SO format, but due to varying school closure policies, many opted instead for the Mini SO model. As of the 2025 season, approximately 20 tournaments operate under the Satellite SO format.
Mini SO
Mini SO is a tournament format where many hands-on events or portions of events cannot be run due to safety and judging considerations—most events from the Technology and Engineering Design category are not slated to be held, and many events that include a lab component are run as test-only. Tests are delivered electronically by Event Supervisors and can be taken at a time that works for students.
During the pandemic, this format was intended for use when students were still learning from home instead of attending school in person. As of the 2025 season, only a handful of tournaments operate under the Mini SO model.
MY SO
MY SO was a program that started to take place concurrently with the 2021 season, continuing until the 2023 season. The program was designed to support students and keep them engaged with Science Olympiad even if tournaments are not proceeding as normal. The program took place over the nine months from September to May of each season, focusing on a different topic each month.
| Month | Topic |
|---|---|
| September 2022 | Crave the Wave, Wifi Lab &Sounds of Music |
| October 2022 | Forestry |
| November 2022 | Forensics & Crime Busters |
| December 2022 | Cybersecurity |
| January 2023 | Anatomy and Physiology |
| February 2023 | Astronomy & Solar System |
| March 2023 | Disease Detectives |
| April 2023 | Agricultural Science |
| May 2023 | Wheeled Vehicle & Scrambler |
Each month, free resources, including STEM Curriculum lesson plans and STEM Sessions, were released publicly to support students who were interested in learning about the topics or students who were preparing for the STEM Showdowns. The STEM Curriculum lesson plans covered activities relating to the fields and were similar to class lectures. These materials were released on the 1st day of each month on the National Science Olympiad website. The STEM Sessions were posted on the Science Olympiad TV YouTube channel on the 15th day of each month and featured experts in the associated field and alumni from Science Olympiad talking about the field.
Towards the end of each month, a STEM Showdown took place. This was an online competition between individual students and was open to all Division B and Division C students who were on a participating Science Olympiad team. They were completely online and similar to Science Olympiad tests for regular events. After the showdown had completed, the Division B and Division C results were released, showing place, abbreviated student name, and the school the student attended.
Gold Standard
The Gold Standard (or Gold SO) is a typical Science Olympiad tournament, featuring in-person activities and competition. For seasons occurring during the pandemic, Gold Standard tournaments were often different from past years, with measures in place for social distancing, proper sanitization, and limited capacity in event spaces.
During the 2021 season, almost no Gold Standard tournaments were scheduled to take place. The 2021 Northern Florida Regional at the University of Florida was originally planned as an in-person event, but just days before the competition, the regional was called off and merged with another regional scheduled for a later date.
As of the 2025 season, the Gold Standard has returned as the preferred format, with over 400 recorded tournaments taking place under this model.