Contestants in 20 regional tournaments are squaring off on everything from marine chemistry to aquaculture in this year's National Ocean Sciences Bowl. Organized by the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education in partnership with the National Marine Educators Association, the ocean sciences bowl debuted in 1998 in conjunction with the International Year of the Ocean. The aim of the event is to raise students' awareness of oceans, ocean research and the critical role the sea plays in weather patterns, global climate and world economy, history and culture. CORE organizers also hope to inspire high-school teachers to use oceans as a learning tool in the study of biology, physics, chemistry, geology and mathematics. We're providing these students with the knowledge base to join the next generation of ocean scientists and become good stewards of the ocean.
Students pore over college textbooks, CD-ROMs and the Internet to prepare for the competition.
At both the regional and final competition, the students are asked questions about oceanography and environmental issues associated with oceans. Don Berthiaume, who coached Biddeford High School's team to victory in the Maine Bowl, recalls questions about threats to local environments, from overharvesting of cod in the Gulf of Maine to the effect of oil pollution on marine life. To prepare for the competition, students pore over college textbooks, CD-ROMs, the Internet and other sources of information about oceans. They also meet for practice sessions. Students who compete in the bowl typically participate in other math and science contests.