SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Morningside University is excited to welcome 100 high school students to campus on Tuesday, Feb. 4, for the sixth Science and Mathematics Academic Reasoning Tournament (SMART). This event highlights students’ exceptional skills in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics while fostering enthusiasm for STEM education.

During the day, students from nine area high schools will experience a variety of engaging activities, including competitive exams, STEM-focused sessions, and a unique opportunity to engage with current Morningside students in a Q&A panel. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony celebrating the students’ achievements.

“One thing I’ve found in the past is that our students and faculty are really, really enthusiastic about participating and helping out with this,” said Dr. Brian McFarland, Dean of Arts and Sciences. “They participate in the student panel, but we also have to run this thing, and that depends a lot on student volunteers. We get them to help with organizing things, helping to proctor exams, helping to score lots of different little duties, and they’re always super excited about it.”

Event Highlights:
• Competitive Exams (9:30 a.m., Walker Science Center): Each student will take two 45-minute written exams in math, science, chemistry, or physics, testing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. (Calculators not permitted.)
• Quiz Bowl (1 p.m., WSC): Teams of four will compete in an engaging quiz bowl format. Schools may enter multiple teams for this interactive challenge.
• STEM Activity Sessions: After the competitions, students will work on hands-on STEM activities guided by Morningside faculty members.
• Awards Ceremony (3:15 p.m., Yockey Family Community Room): Prizes include a top award of a $5,000 scholarship to Morningside University.

“In addition to hopefully just having fun throughout the day, they can have a chance to win a pretty substantive prize there,” McFarland said.

The SMART Competition has grown significantly since its inception. What started with 55 students in 2019 has now expanded to nearly 100 participants, showcasing the event’s rising popularity.

Morningside University is proud to foster a space where young learners can explore STEM fields, connect with peers who share their passions, and experience the welcoming environment of higher education. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of these future innovators.