High school students test their ocean expertise at the 2019 National Ocean Sciences Bowl

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Next week, 24 high school teams from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii will make the trek to Washington, D.C., to test their knowledge of ocean science. After months of after-school practice and a win at their regional competition, these students are ready to take their skills to the next level at the National Ocean Sciences Bowl finals.
On April 14, 2019, Albany High School took home its second-ever national win at the 22nd Annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl. Students on the championship team included James Hort, Evan Zhong, Nathan Skinner, Maria Fedyk, and Ruby Tang. They were coached by Andy Marsh.

On April 14, 2019, Albany High School took home its second-ever national win at the 22nd Annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl. Students on the championship team included James Hort, Evan Zhong, Nathan Skinner, Maria Fedyk, and Ruby Tang. They were coached by Andy Marsh. (Image credit: National Ocean Sciences Bowl / Consortium for Ocean Leadership)

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This competition, which will take place from April 11-14, marks the culmination of the 22nd year of the annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). A program of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, the NOSB uses friendly academic competition to foster knowledge of the marine sciences in high school students. Participants go above and beyond their normal high school science curriculum, diving deep into the marine sciences through biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. Above all, the NOSB aims to generate student interest and excitement about the ocean sciences both as an in-depth field of study and as a possible career path.

NOAA has been a key NOSB partner since the competition’s inception in 1998. Together, five of the NOAA line offices and the Office of Education’s Environmental Literacy Program have provided over $14 million in financial support. Just as importantly, NOAA personnel share their expertise and career experiences by volunteering at regional and national events year after year. 

In 2019, a total of 237 schools from 33 states competed in regional NOSB contests. Students demonstrated their knowledge of the ocean and its role in Earth system science through this year’s theme, “Observe the Ocean; Secure the Future.” This theme explores ocean observing technology and the challenges involved in turning giant ocean observing datasets into policy recommendations that address pressing societal needs.

The following 24 regional winners move into the national finals next weekend:

  1. Ketchikan High School (Alaska)
  2. Arkansas School for Mathematics,Sciences and the Arts (Arkansas)
  3. Canyon Crest Academy (California)
  4. Santa Monica High School (California)
  5. Albany High School (California) — National Champion
  6. Liberty Common High School (Colorado)
  7. Science & Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut (Connecticut)
  8. Viera High School (Florida)
  9. Academy of Environmental Science (Florida)
  10. Rockdale Magnet School (Georgia)
  11. Punahou School (Hawaii)
  12. Belfast Area High School (Maine)
  13. Lexington High School (Massachusetts)
  14. Troy High School (Michigan)
  15. Oxford High School (Mississippi)
  16. Ladue Horton Watkins High School (Missouri)
  17. Marine Academy of Science and Technology (New Jersey)
  18. Mount Sinai High School (New York)
  19. Raleigh Charter High School (North Carolina)
  20. Centerville High School (Ohio)
  21. Oregon Coast Aquarium (Oregon)
  22. Norfolk Collegiate School (Virginia)
  23. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (Virginia)
  24. Newport High School (Washington)

UPDATED: April 15, 2019 – On April 14, students from Albany High School (Albany, California) won the National Finals of the 22nd Annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). It was the school’s second NOSB championship. Learn more at www.nosb.org.

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