Twenty-two student teams from 13 local high schools will gather on the University of Colorado's Boulder campus Saturday, Feb. 23, to compete in the fourth regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl.
Covering biology, chemistry, geology, ocean physics, navigation, geography and related history and literature, the contest is designed to stimulate interest among high school students in ocean sciences.
This year's Colorado contest, hosted by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, is the only one of 22 regional competitions to be held in a land-locked state.
"The Ocean Sciences Bowl is an ideal program for CIRES to support," said bowl coordinator Marie Rundle of CIRES. "We may be located at 5,430 feet above sea level, but our institute employs scientists in a variety of different research disciplines within the university, and at NOAA and NASA-funded labs around Boulder."
CIRES Director Susan Avery said the contest, "is a good way for us to demonstrate our commitment to science literacy, and lets CIRES play a role in providing future recruits to our research community."
As host, CIRES pays for participants' mileage, lodging and some meals during the contest weekend. Since oceanography studies are not a requirement in Colorado schools, CIRES also allows contest coaches a budget for curriculum costs. Numerous local businesses provide prizes for the students.
In addition, contestants will be treated to a tour of Colorado's Ocean Journey aquarium in Denver.
Nationwide, an estimated 1,600 students and teachers representing 320 high schools are competing in regional competitions in February. Student teams prepare for months in advance, practicing with the help of teachers who volunteer time outside of the classroom.Ìý
In competition, students will be asked two types of questions: toss-up and bonus. The questions may be multiple-choice or short-answer format. Teams are divided into divisions for a sequence of preliminary "round-robins," and teams advance from the preliminary rounds to a double-elimination round.Ìý
The winner of the final double-elimination round will be crowned tournament champion and will advance to the national final competition to be held in Providence, R.I., April 28 and 29.Ìý
For more information about the bowl, visit .
PARTICIPATING COLORADO HIGH SCHOOLS Coach
Boulder High School (2 teams) Scott Partridge
Christian Fellowship High, Littleton Chris Powers
George Washington High, Denver Scott Arichea
Fort Collins High (2 teams) Joe Anastisia
Loveland High (2 teams) Matt Nigro
Moffat High Caren Kershner
Mountain View High, Loveland (2 teams) Rick Moeller
Northglenn High (2 teams) Brad McNear
Palmer High, Colorado Springs Larry Bartel
Poudre High, Ft. Collins (3 teams) Jack Lundt
Rushville High, Rushville, NE (2 teams) Jamalee Stone
Standley Lake, Westminster Rob Cassady
West Grand High, Kremmling (2 teams) Emmylou Harmon