High school and middle school teams from across the nation are ready to compete in one of the largest and most prestigious academic science competitions in America

Thousands of students from middle and high schools across the country have committed themselves to extra study hours as they prepare to compete in the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) 33rd National Science Bowl® (NSB). These students are hard at work now-studying, practicing, and strategizing - to win their regional competitions, hoping to advance to the final competition.

The competitions start this month, with teams facing off in a fast-paced, question-and-answer format. (More information about regionals can be found through the NSB Homepage.) These competitions test students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics.

The winning team from each qualifying regional competition will be eligible to compete in the National Finals held in Washington, D.C., from April 27 to May 1, 2023, with all expenses paid. The national event consists of several days of science activities and sightseeing, along with the competitions. For press inquiries and team information, please contact the media outreach manager, Nathan Clark at nathan.clark@science.doe.gov.

The top two middle and high school teams will win $5,000 for their schools’ math and science departments. Other schools placing in the top 16 in the National Finals will win $1,000 for their schools’ science departments. But to many, the ultimate prize is simply the prestige of winning the National Championship.   

Today, the NSB annually draws more than 14,000 middle and high school competitors. Since the first competition in 1991, approximately 335,000 students have faced off in the National Science Bowl® Finals. The knowledge that former competitors have acquired and, more importantly, the collaborative skills and study habits that they learned along the way have led them to successes in a variety of fields. Many have become researchers; others are science and math professors. 

The 2023 competitors will follow in the footsteps of previous National Science Bowl® contestants and will blaze a trail for students in science, math, and engineering.

Middle and high school student teams come from all across the country: large and small schools, urban and rural settings. Each team is composed of four students, one alternate, and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach. The competition tests the students on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. The Department of Energy Office of Science manages the National Science Bowl® and sponsors the finals competition.

DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit the Office of Science website.