The National Science Olympiad tournament began in 1985 as an outgrowth of 1980s programs in Michigan. The Tennessee Science Olympiad was first held at UT in 1994. (It was previously held at UT at Martin and at Oak Ridge’s American Museum of Science and Energy.) In the program, winners of regional competitions in Tennessee participate in a daylong contest that involves approximately 25 events at the middle and high school levels. Winners of the Tennessee event are eligible for the national competition.