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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- More than a dozen Kirksville High School students are headed to the state competition for Science Olympiads.

The regional competition was held at Truman State University earlier this month and the top four teams from the region qualify for states. 

Jack Thompson helped construct this catapult from items he and his teammates purchased.  The catapult must launch the item a specified distance.

Reporter asks, “What are you expecting to do once you head to states?”

“I don’t know, hopefully win, I’m also taking a bridge so hopefully that will hold up the expected amount of weight,” said KHS sophomore Jack Thompson.

Students travel to Columbia this weekend to compete in the state competition.  Categories and events include disease detectives, cell biology, astronomy, fossils and more. 

Freshman Jessica Rhodes is competing in events that require taking tests.  Her test grades will be compared to other students at the state competition.  She will be tested on her knowledge of subjects from astronomy and ecology to cell biology.  Jessica says not only is she learning new things, she’s also having fun!

“It just gives you a very strong basis in science.  Like one year I did an event on waves and it’s helped so much in every science class I’ve taken so far.  It’s really given me a better understanding of science,” said Jessica Rhodes.

Other students say they’re preparing all this week for the competition.  They’re checking over anything that’s been built and making sure things are working properly.  Students that must take tests are studying their material and looking over notes.

For more on the state competition click here: Missouri Science Olympiad Home Page