Holmes science club readies for Iowa Science Olympiad

The Holmes science club has included students from all grade levels at Holmes since 2001, bringing together a diverse group of students with a shared interest in science. The club meets every Thursday after school in a designated laboratory, where members participate in activities and prepare for the Science Olympiad. As competition dates approach, additional meetings are scheduled to further develop skills and ensure readiness. The club offers opportunities for discussion, hands-on experimentation and exploration of scientific concepts.

The Iowa Science Olympiad is a state-level competition in which students compete in 23 events across biology, chemistry, physics, Earth science and engineering.

James Duff, the science club adviser, said the team competes annually against several strong schools throughout the state.

“Mount Vernon is always competitive, but our chief rival is Ames,” Duff said. “Last year we placed second in the state, and Ames won the championship and advanced to nationals. The year before, we won state and went on to nationals, and Ames finished second.”

Leah Verdught, a ninth grader, has been involved in the science club since seventh grade. Each year, the club prepares for multiple building events used in competition, many of which emphasize engineering design principles and STEM-related skills.

Verdught said she is currently working on an event called Scrambler, which requires teams to design a self-propelled car capable of transporting an egg without breaking it.

Physics and design principles are applied to calculate the distance the car travels at various masses and to develop an effective braking system.

Tito Kodiaga, also a ninth grader at Holmes Junior High, is a member of the science club and participates in team leadership.

“My role is to help keep the team motivated and organized,” Kodiaga said. “As a monthly grade leader, I help make sure everyone stays focused and prepared for competition.”

According to Duff, the science club uses a rotating monthly leadership system because he is serving as the team’s sole coach this year.

“In the past, I coached alongside Mr. Wade Olson and Mrs. Amanda Johnson,” Duff said. “This year, I am the only coach for the team.”

Verdught said her involvement in the science club has contributed to both her academic and personal development.

“My favorite experience was in seventh grade when our team won state and advanced to nationals,” Verdught said. “Fundraising and receiving community support for our trip to Michigan showed how much effort the team put into reaching that level. Seeing students earn scholarships for their performances also showed how science club can help prepare students for future opportunities.”

Kodiaga said he first learned about the science club from his older brother, Israel Kodiaga.

“My brother and my friends introduced me to the science club as a way to explore science beyond the classroom,” Kodiaga said. “The opportunity to learn something new while having fun made me want to join.”

Duff said he encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and explore unfamiliar topics through competition.

“Students who compete in the Science Olympiad become highly knowledgeable in the events they participate in,” Duff said. “By the end of the season, they often know more about their event topic than anyone else at Holmes, including teachers.”