Slovenia win gold and silver at the European Olympiad of Experimental Science
Last week, the European Olympiad of Experimental Science concluded in Luxembourg, where Slovenian teams won gold and silver medals. Representing Slovenia in the annual competition of chemistry, physics, biology, and laboratory skills for freshmen and sophomore high school students were Tisa Lombar (Gimnazija Vič), Maj Bombek (Srednja elektro računalniška šola Maribor), and Primož Markovič (Gimnazija Bežigrad), who as Team A secured 5th place and the gold medal. Additionally, Izadora Kopač (Gimnazija Škofja Loka), Anže Markovič (Gimnazija Bežigrad), and Luka Filak (Gimnazija Novo mesto) represented Team B, securing 12th place and thus the silver medal. They were led by mag. Katja Stopar (Gimnazija Ravne na Koroškem), Anita Nose (Gimnazija Novo mesto), and dr. Matej Huš (Kemijski inštitut and Zveza za tehniško kulturo).
The EOES (European Olympiad of Experimental Science) is a team competition for students in their 1st and 2nd years, where three-member teams from almost all European Union countries participate. Students compete in solving integrated tasks that require a good understanding of physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as excellent experimental skills. The competition takes place in laboratories provided this year at the University of Luxembourg. This year's themes were cancer and Schueberfouer. Students had to demonstrate chemical skills (titrations, spectrophotometry, proof reactions, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry), knowledge of physics (kinematics, statics, radioactivity, electricity, light), and understanding of biology (evolution, systematics, anatomy, molecular biology, biochemistry). Both the practical execution of procedures and theoretical knowledge and analysis of results are evaluated. In addition to two days of competition, the program includes social activities, exploring the host country, various workshops, and getting to know colleagues from other countries.
The Slovenian team is selected through the national science competition organized by the Association for Technical Culture (ZOTKS) in January, as well as through experimental selection competitions. Teachers at schools further train and educate students, and additional professional preparations are conducted by mag. Katja Stopar, Anita Nose and dr. Matej Huš. Next year, the competition will take place in Zagreb in early May.
More: https://www.olympiades.lu/eoes2024/