Jefferson Lab photos by Aileen Devlin
BASIS Independent McLean wins 2024 Virginia Regional Middle School Science Bowl competition
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – BASIS Independent McLean was named the first place winner at the 2024 Virginia Regional Middle School Science Bowl competition on March 2. The U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility hosted the in-person event for the first time since 2020.
A rainy day didn’t dampen the excitement as 15 teams from 11 schools across the state of Virginia filled the Jefferson Lab auditorium for a day filled with fun, competitive and nonstop action. After months of studying sample questions that taught everything from the structure of human cells to the process in which stalagmites are formed, these young competitors were definitely smarter than a 5th grader!
The DOE National Science Bowl® is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Teams of four students, one alternate and a coach compete in a fast-paced question-and-answer format. Each round requires they solve technical problems and answer questions on a range of science topics including biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, physics, and math.
“Science Bowl is an opportunity for students to showcase what they have learned through their outstanding STEM education,” said Rhonda Bell, Jefferson Lab science educator administrator and regional coordinator for the DOE National Science Bowl.
Jefferson Lab was proud to host teams from the following schools for the Middle School Science Bowl:
- Academy of Christian Education, (Reston)
- BASIS Independent McLean, (McLean)
- Cooper Middle School, (McLean)
- Rachel Carson Middle School, (Herndon)
- Colvin Run Elementary School, (Vienna)
- Saint Patrick Catholic School, (McLean)
- Glasgow Middle School, (Alexandria)
- Hampton Roads Academy, (Newport News)
- Longfellow Middle School, (Falls Church)
- Nysmith School, (Herndon)
- Peasley Middle School, (Gloucester)
- Saint Patrick Catholic School, (Norfolk)
2024 Winners:
- First Place: BASIS Independent McLean
- Second Place: Carson, Team One
- Third Place: Longfellow, Team One
- Fourth Place: Nysmith, Team One
As the overall winner of the regional competition, BASIS Independent McLean will advance to the 2024 National Finals from April 25 -29. The national event consists of each team that won their regional tournament, 69 high school teams and 50 middle school teams from all over the country. Together they will enjoy a full schedule of educational seminars and sightseeing in Washington, D.C. before they start the academic competition.
Event photos - 2024 Middle School Science Bowl | Flickr
By Michelle Alvarez
Contact Michelle Alvarez, Jefferson Lab Communications Office, malvarez@jlab.org