Day 7
The MCQ Round is the final stage of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). Today, the students faced a test of 30 questions: 10 each from physics, chemistry, and biology. The questions covered a range of topics within each scientific discipline, assessing the participants' overall breadth of knowledge. For the first time in IJSO history, the test was administered using an electronic examination system.
The interactive video question was another innovation in today’s round. The organizers introduced tasks with video clips to test the students' ability to analyze real-world processes.
For example, in physics, students were shown a video of a rotating object. Knowing the camera’s frame rate, they had to analyze the motion and calculate specific quantities. In another video, the task was to identify a chemical reaction. The key to the answer lay in the process’s visual cues—such as the formation of condensation on the walls of the vessel, which indicated the release of heat or vapor.
For example, in physics, students were shown a video of a rotating object. Knowing the camera’s frame rate, they had to analyze the motion and calculate specific quantities. In another video, the task was to identify a chemical reaction. The key to the answer lay in the process’s visual cues—such as the formation of condensation on the walls of the vessel, which indicated the release of heat or vapor.
Samira Manuchehr kizi Kurbanova found the test questions straightforward. Participating in the Olympiad has inspired her to delve deeper into physics and chemistry. She dreams of becoming a bioengineer and developing new plant varieties to combat future challenges like hunger and air pollution.
"The interactive videos made the MCQ round more engaging. However, that same round was also the most difficult for me," shared the student from Tajikistan. "With no answer choices provided, I was constantly second-guessing myself. In contrast, the experimental round had clearly outlined procedures, which made it seem easier. I’m glad it’s all over, but I’m still anxious about the results."
Hussein Mohammad H Alkhamees, a student from Saudi Arabia, decided to take part in the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2025 to make his family and country proud. Hussein dreams of winning a medal to show others that through hard work, self-belief, and constant self-improvement, even the most ambitious goals are within reach.
"For me, this round was the easiest compared to the previous ones," he noted. "I solved all the physics problems without any difficulty. Physics is my favorite subject because it explains the 'how' and 'why' behind all the processes in the world around us. In the future, I want to become an engineer. I believe it is one of the best and most well-paid professions."
In the afternoon, the participants took part in the one of the most spectacular events of IJSO-2025: Cultural Night. Students from 21 countries presented their cultures through creative performances. Energetic dances and folk songs took the audience on a journey around the world without them ever having to leave the hall. The celebration was a powerful reminder that both science and art are universal languages that transcend all borders.
"I like the presentation of Pakistan. They made like a dance, it was so colourful. Today I have been very happy and enjoyed my time a lot. I had great experience to spend some time with everyone, with music. After the Olympiad’s final round, the Cultural Night was a perfect opportunity to unwind and relax." said Matías Andino Castellanos, a student from Costa Rica.
"This format is an excellent way to learn about the cultures and traditions of different peoples," said Svetlana Bezukladnikova, a participant from Russia. "For example, we performed the Russian song 'Kon'' (The Horse). Although it’s not a particularly cheerful song, we didn't back down from our choice. And it paid off—even those who didn’t understand the language were moved by its atmosphere."