The Science Academic Challenge Club, one of the school’s oldest academic groups, is entering an exciting new chapter. After years of participating in the WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering) competition, the club has shifted its focus to new challenges and broader scientific exploration.
This year, students are preparing for the ACES competition—a rigorous academic contest that tests their knowledge across biology, chemistry, physics, and other STEM fields. The team will compete against Conant and Hoffman High Schools in February.
Members are already reviewing content outlines, studying old exams, attending practice sessions, and even drafting the collaborative essay required for the team portion of the event.
In addition to ACES, the club also participates in other advanced science competitions, including the USA Biology Olympiad, Physics F = ma, and TEAMS. These contests allow members to challenge themselves academically while connecting with other students who share a passion for science, experimentation, and discovery.
Beyond competitions, the club emphasizes hands-on learning, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. Recently, members launched a recycling initiative that collected and repurposed old textbooks and office supplies from various offices around the school.
They also conducted a group science project in which they grew a variety of plants under controlled conditions in the science wing. The students are currently analyzing their data and preparing a research presentation to share with different classes and teachers.
Club meetings take place on Fridays after school in Room 164, with additional opportunities to meet before school for study sessions or lab work. The club is open to all students interested in STEM, whether they’re passionate about biology, physics, chemistry, Earth science or engineering.
“This club has definitely helped me solidify my interest in a future career in STEM. Through the engaging experiments we plan and perform, and the Olympiads we participate in, Science Academic Challenge has made me appreciate science and all of its intricacies,” Emmett Gunsteen, a member of the club, said.
“My favorite part of being in the club is the new projects we started last year. Vedant and I came up with the idea of starting a sort of ‘science fair’ where we’d design a new experiment, run it, and analyze the results to see if it worked,” explained Ibraim Kanza, another member of the club.
“Science Academic Challenge is an old club with a new look. For 23 years, we have competed in various STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) competitions, advancing students to state and national recognition,” said Mr. Campbell, the club’s sponsor. Guest speakers—including science teachers and professionals—sometimes join meetings to share their expertise and inspire future scientists.
With a growing list of competitions and projects, the Science Academic Challenge Club continues to evolve, offering students meaningful ways to apply their scientific interests beyond the classroom.
As participation increases each year, the club remains committed to fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for discovery.