Ames Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa
Ames Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Ames, Iowa
Ames, Iowa -- February 10 will be a Saturday of spectacular science when the U. S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University's (ISU) Institute for Physical Research and Technology (IPRT) host teams of talented students at the High School Science Bowl. The event begins at 8 a.m. in the Memorial Union at ISU.
This is the sixth year for the fast-paced competition, which promises to keep students, their coaches and spectators alert and on the edge of their seats. This year 37 teams will vie for the grand prize of an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the DOE's National Science Bowl competition in May. Ames High School has won that honor the past two years.
The Science Bowl provides a competitive format that encourages students to pursue their science and math interests. "We want to make it more positive and popular to excel in science and math, and one of the best ways to do that is to tap a student's natural urge to compete," says Connie Hargrave, manager of Ames Lab's Office of Educational Programs. "The High School Science Bowl recognizes and rewards students who succeed academically and gives them an opportunity to exhibit their skills and knowledge in math and science."
In Science Bowl competition, teams of four students compete in quiz-bowl fashion, trying to outscore each other by correctly answering toss-up questions, which come from fields that include astronomy, chemistry, physics, biology, math and computer science.
Dedicated to helping students experience both the challenge and fun of science, over 40 scientists, engineers and educators from Ames Lab, IPRT and the ISU College of Education have volunteered to be moderators, judges and scorekeepers at the Science Bowl.
"It's a fun competition," says Martin Edelson, Ames Lab program director for Environmental Technology Development and a veteran Science Bowl volunteer. "It's nice to see young people get excited about something that doesn't involve a ball," he quips.
Lynn Glass, ISU professor of curriculum and instruction and also a longtime Science Bowl volunteer, says, "We have a responsibility to help all members of our society grow and develop to their maximum. The Ames Lab/IPRT Science Bowl is an excellent vehicle to challenge personal limits in science -- the key to tomorrow's future."
Schools from across the United States will compete in preliminary regional science bowls; regional winners will fly to Washington, D.C., for the National Science Bowl sponsored by the DOE. Prizes for the national winner include international and domestic science trips and an opportunity to link their schools to the National Education Supercomputer located at the DOE's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Ames Laboratory, a member of ISU's Institute for Physical Research and Technology, is operated for the DOE by ISU. The Lab conducts research in various areas of national concern, including energy resources, high-performance computing, environmental cleanup and restoration, and synthesis and study of new materials.
Released: February 5, 1996
Contact: Saren Johnston, 515-294-3474
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