MTSU photo by J. Intintoli

Ann Burkhalter, left, of General Mills’ Community Action Council, presents a $3,000 check to MTSU chemistry professor Dr. Pat Patterson for the fifth annual Elementary Science Olympiad. The event will be held Saturday, May 12, at John Pittard Elementary School in Murfreesboro.

Thirteen teams from 12 Rutherford County schools, including Barfield, Black Fox, John Pittard, Northfield, Scales and Wilson elementary schools; the Homer Pittard Campus School and Eagleville School; Bradley, Cason Lane and Thurman Francis Arts academies; and the Discovery School at Reeves-Rogers will participate. Each team can bring up to 30 students.

Events will include “Clay Boats,” “Crime Busters,” “Disease Detective,” “Starry, Starry Night” and “Wild Safari.”

The Elementary Science Olympiad is held to stimulate elementary-school students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, disciplines. Patterson, assisted by MTSU chemistry professor Dr. Amy Phelps, serves as competitive tournament director and coordinates volunteers for the Elementary Science Olympiad.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)