News and Updates

Thank you for supporting WESO 2023!

Thank you to all our participating schools and teams, for a WONDERFUL WESO 2023. This year marked a return to a more traditional Olympiad. We are so grateful for your time, your support, and your commitment to WESO.

Please see the final medal results and event score summary posted below via PDF.

2023 WESO Medal Results

2023 WESO Event Score Data Summary

Special thanks to our WESO 2023 Sponsors!

Platinum

  • Ann Arbor Public Schools
  • Thompson Reuters
  • Toyota

Gold

  • Galens Medical Society
  • Rotary Club of Ann Arbor

Silver

  • Domino’s Pizza
  • Engineering Systems Inc. – ESI

Bronze

  • Durham School Services
  • Huron High School
  • Quinn Evans

On Target

Q1: Do they only have time to build their rockets at the beginning, and then they do all of their launches, or do they build rockets between launches?

A1: The team will get a short orientation once they are all signed in for the event.  The team will then take a quiz if they are a 4th or 5th grade team. After the quiz they will go to the build area where they will build ALL of their rockets. Once they have built them they will then proceed to the launch area. There will be no going back to the build tables.

Q2: If they build all of their rockets at the beginning, what are they allowed to adjust on their rockets between launches?

A2: There is no allowance for major adjustments of rockets during the launch phase. They can adjust the launcher as needed. 

Q3: How many rockets do they build?  Do they have to build 6 rockets (one for each launch)?  Is there a minimum/maximum number?

A3: Yes they MUST build 6 rockets. (this is in the detailed description which I encourage every coach\team to read). There is plenty of time even with teams of 1 to build. We do not pressure the teams at the build tables. We let them take their time.

Q4: Are fins required on the rockets or can the Olympians launch missiles without fins? The rules do not say they are, but I wanted to confirm.

A4: Fins are not required.

Q5: The test is multiple choice and will indicate if more than one answer is possible?

A5: If there is more than one answer to a question, the question will read “please circle all answers that apply”

Q6: Is there a time limit on the test or the build/launch sequences?

A6: There is a soft limit of 30 minutes for the whole event, but again we do not pressure the teams at any point and we have never had any issues with time. We want them to have the time needed to take the quiz and build and launch.

Map Reading

Q1:Will there be paper available? My students have been marking the scale on paper, then using that paper to measure.

A1: We will have scrap paper available for the kids.

Q2: Can students split up, or should they stay together?

A2: All members of a team have to stick together. This is because some schools may only have one child per team and it would not be fair for them. 

Q3: Will they have any time to look around the room at the maps before the question timer starts, or will they have to budget time to see what maps are in the room?

A3: They will not be able to look around before the timer starts.

Q4: Will they ever need to flip a map over? I ask because sometimes on road maps the title, index, or distance chart is on the reverse side.

A4: They will not need to flip the maps. Distance charts will be printed and displayed separately. 

Q5: How close do they need to come in terms of miles or kilometers to get distance questions correct?

A5: Within 5 miles or kilometers.  For tiebreaker questions, the team that is closest will get the extra point. 

Feathered Friends: Time allotment for questions + bird call playback.

Q1. If questions are provided individually, are students able to ask for more time on a question? If so, how? Do they raise their hand?

A1. Students may raise their hand to ask for more time. Students may also ask to come back to a question at the end of the test. Many of the questions are printed out on the answer sheet. If students wish, they can think about that answer and answer it during the time designated for another question. In general, time is not a problem for Feathered Friends.

Q2. Can they replay bird calls if they need to hear it again, or is it something controlled by the Event Supervisors/Volunteers administering the test?

A2. Bird calls will be played back a reasonable number of times on request. Most will get played at least twice.