KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Members of the community got the opportunity to test their science trivia against the Hands-On Science Center’s summer campers in the annual “Are You Smarter Than a Science Camper” this past week.

According to HOSC Executive Director Austin Sisco, the annual fundraising trivia night saw 14 teams compete against the science center’s campers in a battle of wits. At the end of the night, the science campers came out victorious with a perfect score of 60 points. Placing second was Canvas with 43 points, and Women In Defense placed third with 36 points.  

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our amazing community partners who made this event such a memorable night,” Sisco said. “Congratulations to all teams for an exciting competition!”

According to Sisco, the featured fundraiser of the evening was a science camp-themed periodic table, where each element represented a scholarship for one week of our 2026 summer camp.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, all 30 scholarships were claimed, raising an incredible $7,691 for future campers,” he said. “This pushes us closer to our goal of sending 100% of our 2026 summer science campers to camp cost free!”

Sisco said HOSC wanted to thank their sponsors of the event: Piggy’s Place Bar-b-que for providing dinner and service; L & H Distributing Company, Inc for donating beverages; Master of Ceremonies Rental & Party Shop for donating all of the chairs, tables and tablecloths.

“Your support means the world to us,” Sisco said. “This night would not have been possible without you.”

Sisco also thanked all the teams who participated of the event and for supporting HOSC’s mission to bring science to life for the next generation. The teams that participated were the following: Canvas, Inc., Dot Foods, Great Lakes Cheese Company, Ole Shed Brewing Company, Copeland Family, The Geniuses, Women In Defense – Tennessee Valley Chapter, JQH Jensen Quality Homes, Amentum, City of Tullahoma, TN – Government, CFC Recycling, Inc., Board of Directors and the parents of campers.

Sisco also thanked all the 2025 Summer Camp Scholarship Sponsors, as their generosity helped to create life-changing experiences for the future scientists. The 2025 Summer Camp Scholarship sponsors included: Unity Medical Center, Advance Financial, Dot Foods, Tennessee Valley Authority, Great Lakes Cheese Company, Rotary Club of Manchester and Nancy Fuller.

“We are deeply thankful for your commitment to our mission,” Sisco said. “We are so thankful for each and every one of you — today and every day!”

If anyone would like to participate in HOSC’s 2026 “Are You Smarter Than a Science Camper” event are asked to email info@hosctn.org. 

About Hands-On Science Center

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Hands-On Science Center relies on the generosity of businesses, community members, and grant funding to sustain the programs. The science center invites the community to support its mission by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the importance of STEM education.

For more information, visit www.hosc.org or email info@hosctn.org.