ISCO INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE CHALLENGE OLYMPIAD

Miss Man International Education and UniCEP (Universal Center of Educational Platform) have collaborated to announce the upcoming, thrilling event that blends the fascinating world of science with the innovative principles of ISCO – NTERNATIONAL SCIENCE CHALLENGE OLYMPIAD.

This competition aims to ignite the curiosity and passion for scientific exploration among students, fostering their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 


Students will have the opportunity to showcase their scientific knowledge and creativity. The Science Competition will cover a wide range of STEM topics, including physics, chemistry, biology, technology, even space, life, and the natural environment. Participants will be encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, promoting a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and their practical applications.

UNICEP has IMEC (International Math Olympiad), JEO (Junior English Olympia) and ISCO. ISCO and JEO are organised and founded by Miss Man International Education with UNICEP

Why participate in ISCO

  • Global Recognition: By participating, students have the opportunity to showcase their scientific knowledge and skills on an international stage, gaining recognition for their achievements
  • Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: The Olympiad brings together students from different cultural backgrounds and educational systems.
  • Networking Opportunities: The Olympiad provides a platform for students to interact with like-minded individuals who share a passion for science.
  • Personal Growth, Confidence and Skill Building: This experience nurtures resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence, equipping students with valuable life skills that extend beyond the realm of science.
  • Rigorous Global and Science Challenge: The challenging questions and problem-solving tasks with pictures test participants' scientific knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and analytical skills, providing a stimulating and rewarding experience. Questions are designed by the professional team from Hong Kong and Australia.

ISCO - Syllabus

Category 1: Grade 1-2

  • Animals and Biology
  • Living and non-living things
  • Nature and the environment

Category 2: Grade 3-4

  • The Earth and space
  • Life Science (plants, animals, habitats)
  • Matters and materials
  • Simple machines
  • Environment and sustainable development
  • Natural environment
  • Energy

Category 3: Grade 5-6

  • Matter, energy, and forces
  • Earth Science and Space
  • Human body structure and function
  • Biodiversity and ecosystem
  • Science inquiry

Category 4: Grade 7-8

Physics

Mechanics: Covering basic concepts such as velocity, acceleration, force, and motion

Optics: Studying the characteristics of light, reflection, refraction, and the colors of light

Sound: Understanding the properties of sound, pitch, volume, and the propagation of sound.

Properties of Matter: Learning about the properties and classification of different
substances.

Chemical Reactions: Understanding basic concepts of chemical reactions, reaction
rates, chemical equations, and chemical equilibrium.

Cell Structure and Function: Studying the structure and functions of cells, including
cell organelles and cell division.

Genetics: Exploring the fundamental concepts of genes, hereditary material, and
genetic inheritance

Astronomy: Understanding basic knowledge about planets, constellations, galaxies,
and the universe.

Category 5: Grade 9-10

Physics

● Electricity: Learning about basic concepts such as voltage, current, resistance, and
circuits.
● Magnetism: Understanding magnetic fields, magnetic forces, and electromagnetic
induction.
● Dynamics: Studying the principles of motion, including Newton's laws of motion and
force analysis.

● Elements and Compounds: Learning about the properties, structure, and naming of
elements and compounds.
● Chemical Reactions: Further understanding of the types, equilibrium, and rates of
chemical reactions.
● Acids, Bases, and pH: Exploring the properties of acids and bases, pH values, and
acid-base reactions

● Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Studying the structure and functions of ecosystems
and the importance of biodiversity.
● Human Biology: Gaining deeper knowledge of the structure, functions, and
interactions of human body systems and organs.

● Atmosphere and Weather: Learning about the composition of the atmosphere,
climate, and weather phenomena.

Category 6: Grade 11-12

Physics

● Mechanics: Kinematics, Dynamics, Rotational motion
● Electromagnetism: Electric fields, Gauss’s law, capacitance. Magnetic fields,
Faraday’s law, electromagnetic waves.
● Modern Physics: Quantum theory, Nuclear physics

● Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Chemical kinetics
● Organic Chemistry: Functional groups, IUPAC nomenclature., Reaction
mechanisms (substitution, addition).
● Analytical Chemistry: Spectroscopy, Electrochemistry

● Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation., Genetic engineering
● Human Physiology: Neurobiology, Endocrine system
● Ecology & Evolution: Population dynamics, speciation, Conservation biology

● Astrophysics: Stellar evolution, Cosmology
● Planetary Science: Exoplanets, habitable zones., Space exploration technologies

Scheduling and Competition Rounds:

National Round 2026

  • Date of competition : 14 December 2025
  • Duration : 50 minute
  • Competition portal : Online or Paper base
  • Question form : Multiple questions and fill in the blanks
  • Language : English and Chinese
  • Grade year level: Grade 1- 12 (Primary 1-6, Secondary 1-6)
  • Criteria : 3 wrong answers will void 1 correct answer
  • Deadline registration : 5 December 2025
  • Results : 22 December 2025

National 2025: Paper-based competition for schools

Period of competition: 22 November 2025 - 17 December 2025 (The teacher can conduct the competition in the school in the provided period; Miss Man International Education will deliver papers to the schools)

*We welcome you to participate in paper-based tests in the schools. Please contact us for more details, such as
dates and materials. Paper-based test is only available in the national round. (contact email: hkoffice@missmaneducation.com, WhatsApp: +852 5918 5176).

Each participant will be given a certificate according to their achievements.60% each category will be invited to the global round in Sydney, Australia in April 2026. The participants will have an opportunity to be invited to attend the physical ceremony in Hong Kong.

Awards for all categories - Top three in the world:

  • Diamond 1: US$200
  • Diamond 2: US$150
  • Diamond 3: US$100
  • Gold 10% of Participants
  • Sliver 20% of Participants
  • Merit 40% of Participants