PADUCAH, Ky. (Feb. 17, 2017) — The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science Team 1 won the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl, the area’s most notable science competition for high school students. With the regional win, Bowling Green’s Gatton Academy Team 1 will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Finals of the DOE National Science Bowl® April 27 through May 1.

Competitors in the all-day Science Bowl tournament, a quick-recall, fast-paced question-and-answer contest, were quizzed on their knowledge of biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics, energy, and mathematics.

“We are excited to prepare for DOE Science Bowl each year,” said Calloway County High School Coach Erica Gray. “It is an excellent opportunity to advance scientific and mathematic thinking in students across our region.  It has encouraged many of our students to continue their pursuit of STEM education and careers.”

Calloway County High School Team 1 finished second, and Gatton Academy Team 2 finished third in the regional competition.  Other high schools competing Feb. 17 at the University of Kentucky College of Engineering-Paducah Campus at West Kentucky Community and Technical College were Ballard Memorial, Cairo Junior/Senior High, Crittenden County, Marshall County, Massac County, McCracken County, Paducah, Tilghman, Union County, and West Kentucky Home Schools.

“The DOE Science Bowl is one of my favorite academic tournaments,” said Ethan Brown, a junior at The Gatton Academy.  “I love how it tests our ability to work as a team and work off each other’s strengths in order to succeed.  Being able to go to Washington, D.C. to visit the Smithsonian and to play against national teams is a fantastic opportunity.”

Sponsors of this year’s competition included DOE, University of Kentucky College of Engineering—Paducah Campus, the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, Petter Business Systems, Fluor Paducah Deactivation Project, Paducah Economic Development, Pro2Serve, Beltline Electric, Ballard Economic Development, Paducah Water, Morsey Constructors, HealthWorks Medical, Geo Consultants, Murtco, Swift & Staley Inc., HDR Engineering, Chase Environmental Group, Pepsi Mid-America, and Lakeland Spring Water.*  Volunteers serve as moderators, judges, technical advisors, and score keepers. 

DOE’s Office of Science manages the NSB Finals competition. More information is available on the NSB Web site: http://www.science.energy.gov/wdts/nsb/.

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* Listing of participating organizations does not denote or imply endorsement by the Department of Energy, the United States Government, or any affiliated entity.