The Science Olympiad (SO) is one of the most popular academic competitions for students in the United States. It encourages teamwork and curiosity in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and engineering. Preparing with sample questions helps students strengthen their concepts and problem-solving skills.
Here’s a 10-question practice quiz designed for middle and high school students (Grades 8–10). Try solving these before checking the answers at the end!
Science Olympiad Sample Questions
1. Physics
If a car travels 30 miles in 0.75 hours, what is its average speed?
A) 30 mph
B) 35 mph
C) 36 mph
D) 40 mph
E) 45 mph
2. Biology
Which part of the human brain controls balance and coordination?
A) Cerebrum
B) Cerebellum
C) Medulla
D) Hypothalamus
E) Thalamus
3. Chemistry
What is the chemical symbol for the element that combines with chlorine to form common table salt?
A) N
B) Na
C) K
D) Ca
E) Mg
4. Earth Science
Which layer of the Earth is made mostly of liquid iron and nickel?
A) Crust
B) Mantle
C) Outer Core
D) Inner Core
E) Lithosphere
5. Physics
A light ray bends toward the normal when it enters water from air. This happens because:
A) Speed of light increases in water
B) Speed of light decreases in water
C) Frequency of light decreases in water
D) Wavelength of light increases in water
E) Light gains energy in water
6. Biology
What type of blood cells are responsible for fighting infections?
A) Red blood cells
B) White blood cells
C) Platelets
D) Plasma cells
E) Neurons
7. Chemistry
What gas is released when vinegar reacts with baking soda?
A) Oxygen
B) Hydrogen
C) Carbon dioxide
D) Nitrogen
E) Ammonia
8. Earth Science
Which is the most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere?
A) Oxygen
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon dioxide
D) Hydrogen
E) Argon
9. Physics/Engineering
Which simple machine is used in a pair of scissors?
A) Lever
B) Wedge
C) Pulley
D) Screw
E) Inclined plane
10. General Science
Which space telescope, launched in 2021, observes the universe primarily in infrared light?
A) Hubble Space Telescope
B) Spitzer Space Telescope
C) Chandra X-ray Observatory
D) James Webb Space Telescope
E) Kepler Telescope
Answer Key
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D) 40 mph
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B) Cerebellum
-
B) Na (Sodium)
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C) Outer Core
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B) Speed of light decreases in water
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B) White blood cells
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C) Carbon dioxide
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B) Nitrogen
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A) Lever (with wedge blades)
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D) James Webb Space Telescope
Practicing Science Olympiad-style questions helps students sharpen their understanding of science concepts while building confidence for competitions. This set is ideal for Grades 8–10 students preparing for Science Olympiad events in the USA or other school-level science quizzes.
Keep following TheCareergram.com for more practice sets in AMC (Math), USACO (Computing), and other international student competitions!
