The SUU Regional Science Olympiad functions much like a sports tournament, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the year. Each school-based team is allowed to bring 15 students who cross-train for a variety of events in their skill set. This year, 26 teams competed in the SUU Regional tournament. SUU faculty and undergraduate students prepare the events and competitions and the modules that these students compete in.

The competition is an academic track meet, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved.

Teamwork is a required skill in most scientific careers today, and Science Olympiad encourages group learning by designing events that forge alliances. In Elevated Bridge, an engineering whiz and a kid from wood shop can become gold medalists. Similarly, a talented builder and a student with a good science vocabulary can excel in Write It Do It, one of Science Olympiad & most popular events.

The SUU Regional Science Olympiad leads to the Utah State tournament and, ultimately, the Science Olympiad National Tournament.