Teams gear up for Science Bowl

CHILLICOTHE – Teams from three schools in Ross County and four in Pike are gearing up for the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for displaying their knowledge of math and science.

On Friday, teams from Chillicothe, Huntington, Zane Trace, Waverly, Piketon, Eastern and Western will be among those converging on Shawnee State University to participate in regional competition of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science’s National Science Bowl.

The teams will attempt to follow the path blazed by the team from Zane Trace High School in 2013, which advanced to nationals.

Regional competitions are being held across the state and nation this month, with four students on each team facing off in a fast-paced, question-and-answer format. The winning team from each middle and high school regional will compete in Washington running April 30 through May 4.

At the finals, teams have the opportunity to claim a variety of prizes, such as adventure trips to Alaska and national parks across the country to practice science in the field, trophies, medals, and supplies for their school’s science department.

The program has grown from about 500 high school participants in 1991 to more than 14,000 from middle and high schools expected this year. Among those who have taken part in the past, several have become researchers, science and math professors or involved in other professions advancing math and science knowledge.

One such alum is this year’s Science Day plenary speaker at the national finals, Doug Roble.

Roble, who earned a doctorate in computer science from Ohio State University, has made several contributions to the film industry by improving movie special effects.

Among those improved by the Oscar winner is a fluid simulation system that helped create surging water effects for “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and “The Day After Tomorrow.”

The hope of the founders of the National Science Bowl is to celebrate achievements in math and science and encourage students to follow career paths in those fields.