Grades 3–12
Natural Science Olympiad
Natural Science is the language of the universe — decoding the rhythm of rivers, the logic of lightning, the quiet brilliance of a growing leaf. The Copernicus Natural Science Olympiad invites students to think like scientists: to observe, question, experiment, and uncover the logic behind the world around them.
Syllabus
Five categories across grade bands.
Category 1 — Grades 3 & 4
Life science
- Characteristics and basic needs of living things
- Structures and functions of plants and animals
- Major organs of the human body
- Vertebrates vs invertebrates
- Basic adaptations
- Simple food chain and ecosystem roles
Physical science
- Matter and its classification
- States of matter — solid, liquid, gas
- Measuring volume and mass
- Force and energy
- Types and forms of energy
- Weather and the solar system
Category 2 — Grades 5 & 6
Life science
- Human body systems
- Cell structure (prokaryotes vs eukaryotes)
- Plant and animal reproduction
- Life cycles and metamorphosis
- Adaptations
- Food chains, webs and nutrient cycles
Physical science
- Atom structure and subatomic particles
- Element vs compound
- Physical and chemical changes
- Motion, speed, velocity, acceleration
- Energy transformation
- Circuits, heat and temperature
- Moon phases, seasons, tides
- Milky Way, galaxies, minerals and rocks
Category 3 — Grades 7 & 8
Life science
- Levels of biological organisation
- Cell theory and structure
- Plant and animal cells
- Angiosperms vs gymnosperms
- Ecology — biotic, abiotic, symbiotic relationships
- Microorganisms
- History of life and Earth
Physical science
- Classification of matter
- Periodic table and chemical formulas
- Law of conservation of mass
- Newton's laws of motion
- Work, power, energy
- Magnetism
- Rock cycle, weathering, erosion
- The universe
Category 4 — Grades 9 & 10
Life science
- Human reproduction and cell cycle
- Mitosis and meiosis
- Energy pyramids and trophic levels
- Biodiversity and sustainability
- Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance
- Punnett squares, genetic disorders
Physical science
- Atomic theory and isotopes
- Chemical reactions and balancing equations
- Momentum, gravitation
- Waves, electromagnetism, optics
- Fossilisation, ice cores
- Stars, the Big Bang
Category 5 — Grades 11 & 12
Life science
- Homeostasis and feedback mechanisms
- Cell mutation
- Central dogma — DNA structure and replication
- Genetic engineering and ethics
- Biomolecules and polymers
- Vertebrate and invertebrate diversity
- Evolution, natural selection, population genetics
Physical science
- Scientific notation, accuracy and precision
- Dimensional analysis
- Electron configurations and chemical bonding
- Endothermic, exothermic and redox reactions
- Special theory of relativity
- Kepler's laws, half-life, expansion of the universe
- Dark matter
Format · Marking · Dates · Fees
The essentials.
Exam format
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Questions: 20 total
- Preliminary: 20 multiple-choice questions
- Global: 15 multiple-choice + 5 open-ended questions
- Qualifying: 40% in the Preliminary Round qualifies for the Global Round
- Languages: English, Spanish, Russian, French
Marking scheme
Preliminary
- 5 easy questions — 4 marks each (−1 for incorrect)
- 10 average questions — 5 marks each (−2 for incorrect)
- 5 hard questions — 6 marks each (−3 for incorrect)
- Total: 100 marks
Global
- 5 easy questions — 3 marks each (−1 for incorrect)
- 5 medium questions — 4 marks each (−2 for incorrect)
- 5 hard questions — 6 marks each (−3 for incorrect)
- 5 open-ended — 7 marks each (no negative marking)
- Total: 100 marks
Dates
- Round 1 (Preliminary): Saturday, 27 September 2025
- Round 2 (Preliminary): Saturday, 1 November 2025
Fees
- Preliminary: $20 USD
- Some countries may charge up to $30 to cover local awards, certificate printing and medal shipping.
- Global: Varies by venue — confirmed after Preliminary Round results.
- $200 USD non-refundable processing fee per Global Round registrant.
- Absolute Winners (youngest top scorers) of each category receive a fee waiver for the Global Round.
Recognition
Medals & certificates.
G
91–100%
Gold
Gold Medal + 10% discount on Global Round registration.
S
75–90%
Silver
Silver Medal + 5% discount on Global Round registration.
B
50–74%
Bronze
Bronze Medal for strong international performance.