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

RESULTS: Congratulations to La Jolla High School, who will represent Southern California at the NOSB National Finals in Washington, D.C., April 25-27, 2009.

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.