Scripps Oceanography to Host Fast-Paced Ocean Science Competition for High Schools

Scripps Oceanography to Host Fast-Paced Ocean Science Competition for High
Schools
Scripps Institution of Oceanography/University of California, San Diego
More than a dozen teams from regional high schools will converge upon UC San
Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography on Feb. 21 to prove they know
the most about the coast during the 12th annual La Jolla Surf Bowl.
Part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), this one-day regional ocean
science competition will test students' knowledge of marine sciences during
exciting challenges that include a fast-paced, Jeopardy-style quiz. The
overall winning team will represent Southern California at the NOSB National
Finals in Washington, D.C., April 25-27, 2009.
NOSB is an educational program aimed at stimulating high school students'
interest in ocean sciences and broadening public understanding of the value
of ocean research. The competition offers students who have an interest in
math and science national recognition for their academic excellence. NOSB
aims to foster the next generation of marine scientists, educators and
policymakers.
The 18 regional teams will compete in a round-robin, double-elimination
format, answering questions prepared by top national researchers and
educators. Students will be tested on their marine science knowledge with
rapid-fire questions in biology, chemistry, geography, geology, navigation,
physics and related history and literature.  The final round will take place
at Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Regional high schools participating in La Jolla Surf Bowl 2009:
• Carlsbad High School, Carlsbad
• Christian High School, El Cajon
• Dana Hills High School (two teams), Dana Point
• Francis Parker School, San Diego
• La Jolla High School (two teams), La Jolla
• Mt. Miguel High School, Spring Valley
• Palomar High School, Chula Vista
• Patrick Henry High School, San Diego
• Sage Hill School, Newport Coast
• San Ysidro High School, San Ysidro
• Scripps Ranch High School, San Diego
• Tesoro High School (two teams), Las Flores
• University High School (two teams), Irvine
• University City High School, San Diego
Students will be asked three types of questions during the regional
competition: toss-up, bonus and team challenge. The toss-up questions are
multiple choice questions only, whereas bonus questions can also be short
answer questions. The team challenge questions give the students the chance
to test critical thinking skills by analyzing real-time data and answering
questions involving cutting-edge research and policy issues.
Approximately 2,000 high school students and educators from an estimated 400
U.S. high schools will compete in regional competitions in February. Scripps
Oceanography, one of 25 regional sites around the country, is hosting the
NOSB competition for the 12th consecutive year. Scripps graduate students,
alumni and staff will participate as judges, timekeepers and science
advisors.
Scripps Oceanography and Birch Aquarium at Scripps provide training and
academic support for all teams competing in the La Jolla Surf Bowl. In
addition to traditional studying, students participate in whale watching
cruises, tours of Scripps Oceanography research facilities, a beach clean-up
and scrimmages.
Regional sponsors for the La Jolla Surf Bowl 2009 include Birch Aquarium at
Scripps, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 4Imprints, Aquarium of the
Pacific, Bikes Belong Coalition, Biogen Idec Foundation, Bruegger's Bagels,
Ceramicafe, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Compass Publications, Extreme Pizza, I
Love a Clean San Diego, La Jolla Symphony, Leave Only Bubbles, Legoland
California, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Wildlife Federation, Ocean
Institute at Dana Point, OEX Dive & Kayak Centers, Quiksilver, REI, Sammy's
California Woodfired Pizza, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Harbor Excursion, Sea
Technology, Sea World San Diego, Starbucks Coffee Company, Sticky Bumps/Wax
Research Inc., Southwest Marine and Aquatic Educators' Association, Surfshot
Media, UltraStar Cinemas and Whale Tails Tortilla Chips.
NOSB is managed by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, a Washington,
D.C.-based nonprofit organization that represents 95 of the leading public
and private ocean research education institutions, aquaria and industry. Its
mission is to advance research, education and sound ocean policy. NOSB is
funded through the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, a
collaboration of federal agencies, as well as by corporations, foundations
and other non-governmental organizations.
For more information about NOSB, visit www.nosb.org.
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Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps:
Location:
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.
Phone:
858-534-FISH
Website:
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu <http://aquarium.ucsd.edu>
Hours:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Admission:
$11                  Adult, 18+
$9                   Senior, 60+
$7.50                Youth, 3-17
Free                 Children, 2 and under
Free                 Scripps Oceanographic Society Members
Directions:
From Interstate 5, exit at La Jolla Village Drive. West one mile. Left on
Expedition Way.
Parking:
Birch Aquarium offers three-hour courtesy parking.

This news release and accompanying images also can be found at
http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu/Releases/?releaseID=955