By winning their regional tournaments, the Marshall Middle School (Wexford, Pa.), Morgantown High School (Morgantown, W.Va.), Pittsburgh Allderdice High School (Squirrel Hill, Pa.), and Suncrest Middle School (Morgantown, W.Va.) teams earned all-expenses paid trips to the National Science Bowl, where they will compete with diverse teams from across the nation for the championship. 

Through the continued support and involvement of the local community, past winners of the SWPA and WV Science Bowls have placed in the top 10 at the national competition, with some teams earning coveted ranks in first, second, and fourth place.

The Science Bowl is a highly competitive academic tournament that tests students’ knowledge in a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. Earlier this year, 68 teams from southwestern Pennsylvania and 45 teams from across West Virginia participated in regional tournaments, which were held in a fast-paced, quiz-style format as the teams solved technical problems and answered questions on all branches of math and science.

NETL’s regional champions will join more than 100 teams from across the country to compete at the national event being held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center. In addition to the academic competition, students will attend presentations by well-known scientists on current topics in math and the sciences.

Science Bowl events across the nation encourage students to excel in math and science and pursue careers in those areas. In this way, the event contributes to student involvement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Success and interest in these STEM fields are critical to advancing the nation’s high-tech workforce.   

Photos of the winning teams are available here:

• Pennsylvania Middle School

• West Virginia Middle School

• Pennsylvania High School

• West Virginia High School

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory that produces technological solutions for America’s energy challenges. From developing creative innovations and efficient energy systems that make coal more competitive, to advancing technologies that enhance oil and natural gas extraction and transmission processes, NETL research is providing breakthroughs and discoveries that support home-grown energy initiatives, stimulate a growing economy, and improve the health, safety, and security of all Americans. Highly skilled men and women at three NETL research sites – Albany, Ore., Morgantown, W.Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa. – conduct a broad range of research activities that support DOE’s mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.

Contact:

• Shelley Martin, DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory, 304-285-0228, contact.publicaffairs@netl.doe.gov