Anticipation grows as teams prepare for March 3 competition at Jefferson Lab
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Anticipation is growing across the Commonwealth and at Jefferson Lab as the date draws near for the 2018 Virginia Regional Middle School Science Bowl. The lab is preparing for 17 teams to compete in the academic competition set for Saturday, March 3.
“Teams will be coming from across the Commonwealth – Southwest Virginia, Northern Virginia and Tidewater. With 17 teams participating, we are preparing for a full and action-packed day,” exclaims Christine Wheeler, Jefferson Lab Science Education administrator. “These are great events. The students work hard to prepare for the Science Bowl, and it is always a delight to see the excitement on the students’ faces.”
Since 1991 the National Science Bowl® has been sponsored annually by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. And, over the years, approximately 275,000 middle and high school students from across the country have participated in these tournaments. The competition is meant to encourage students to excel in math and science and to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
Teams are composed of four students, one alternate, and an adult who serves as an advisor and coach. The teams face off in an intense question-and-answer format where contestants are quizzed on their knowledge of mathematics and a range of science disciplines, including life science, physical science, Earth and space science, and energy.
The top three teams at the regional competition on March 3 will earn cash prizes and team trophies for their respective schools. The top team also wins an expenses-paid trip to the National Science Bowl® finals to be held in Washington, D.C., April 26–30.
“Participating in Science Bowl events is a wonderful way to make students aware of the value in taking STEM classes and the many career opportunities available in STEM fields,” Wheeler comments. “Middle school is a critically important period for students.”
Nearly 60 volunteers will be on hand to conduct the tournament. “Conversations with these volunteers are a great way for students to better understand what scientists, engineers and innovators do. Our volunteers can provide the students with valuable insight into a variety of career opportunities, including research careers within the Department of Energy and National laboratory system,” Wheeler adds.
The afternoon semi-final and final rounds begin around 1:45 p.m. in the CEBAF Center auditorium, located at 12000 Jefferson Ave., and will be open to the public. Seating in the auditorium is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no standing room in the auditorium, and access will cease once capacity has been reached. All those under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Everyone over 16 is asked to carry a valid photo ID. Security guards may perform ID, parcel and vehicle checks.
Virginia schools registered for the competition include (in alphabetical order):
Edlin School, Reston
Farmwell Station Middle School, Ashburn
Floris Elementary School, Herndon
Frost Middle School, Fairfax
Hampton Roads Academy, Newport News
Isle of Wight Academy, Isle of Wight
Kilmer Middle School, Vienna
Longfellow Middle School, Falls Church
Louise A. Benton Middle School, Manassas
Louise Archer Elementary School, Vienna
McNair Elementary School, Herndon
Page Middle School, Gloucester
Peasley Middle School, Gloucester
Rachel Carson Middle School, Herndon
St. John the Apostle Catholic School, Virginia Beach
St Patrick Catholic School, Norfolk
Wallace Middle School, Bristol
Learn more about DOE's National Science Bowl® competition at: https://science.energy.gov/wdts/nsb/ .