Newton, MA - Teens in the 8th and 9th grades are invited to enter in the 2002 OlympiYeda. The competition comprise of four stages and culminates in a three-week Israel Experience, including a ten-day science camp which 25 participants from the United States, Canada, England, and Australia share with 25 science-oriented Israeli peers.
At the end of the science camp, eight finalists from the entire 50 participants will be selected to participate in the final round of the competition that will be televised nationally in Israel. The eight finalists will receive valuable prizes. The top four winners will receive scholarships to the Technion- Israel Institute of Technology.
Each year the science competition focuses on a particular scientific subject. The 2002 OlympiYeda will focus on “Science in the Service of Police Investigations”. Students will explore advanced police investigative techniques including diverse disciplines that contribute to the success of the investigations. Among the techniques to be examined will be forensics, ballistics, voice identification, evidence involving DNA, genetics, chemistry, and physics.
This year a delegation of ten U.S., two Canadian, and six Australian teens traveled to Israel to compete with their Israeli peers. Second-place winner, Greenbaum adds, “I didn’t expect to be one of the finalists, there were a lot of smart kids- 40 kids competing for eight spots – so it was pretty competitive.” Nate Greenbaum was also impressed by Israel, “ This was my first time in Israel, and being on top of Masada at sunrise was something I really enjoyed”
According to Zvi Jankelowitz , Executive Director of the American Friends of the Isarel National Museum of Science, the OlympiYeda was created to inspire and encourage interest among those with a talent and interest in the sciences and to connect students from abroad with like-minded Israeli peers.
The selection process for the 2002 OlympiYeda will begin with a general multiple-choice test that will be held on December 2, 2001. A second multiple-choice test And personal interviews will determine the final delegation which will be announced by April 15, 2002.
Applications and additional information is available from Zvi Jankelowitz , American Friends of Israel the Natl Museum of Science, tel: 617-964-5025, fax: 617-964-5027 or by e-mail: israelscience@mediaone.net