​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 27, 2019

CONTACT: Lisa Meiman, mediarelations@wapa.gov, 720-962-7411

BILLINGS, Mont.—About two dozen Montana middle schools and high schools will compete in a statewide science and math competition March 8 and 9, respectively, for the opportunity to represent Montana at the Department of Energy National Science Bowl this spring. 

What: Big Sky Regional Middle School and High School Science Bowls

Date: 

  • March 8 for middle schools
  • March 9 for high schools

Times:

  • 8 a.m. Round robin
  • 1 p.m. Double-elimination round
  • 4 p.m.  Championship round

Where: Montana State University, Liberal Arts Building, 1500 University Drive, Billings, Mont.

Who: Interviews available on request with students, teachers and WAPA and school staff

Media check-in: Ask for Judy Shimek at the Science Bowl registration desk 

The 27th annual Big Sky Regional Science Bowls, hosted by Western Area Power Administration, will test students’ knowledge of biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy and math in a fast-paced quiz format that requires students to answer questions in as little as five seconds. Each team is made up of four students, a student alternate and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach.

The winning high school and middle school teams will receive a free trip to the national event in Washington, D.C., April 25-29 to compete against their peers from across the U.S.

Participating high schools

Helena High School, winner of the 2018 Montana Regional High School Science Bowl, will defend its title as one of 14 high schools with 23 participating teams, including:

• Absarokee (2 teams)

• Billings Central Catholic (2 teams)

• Billings West (2 teams)

• CM Russel – Great Falls (1 team)

• Capital – Helena (2 teams)

• Custer Co District – Miles City (1 team)

• Fromberg (1 team)

• Helena High (2 teams)

• Lima (1 team)

• Park City (2 teams)

• Plentywood (1 team)

• Red Lodge (2 teams)

• Skyview (2 teams)

• West Yellowstone (2 teams)

Participating middle schools

Twenty-three teams from the 11 middle schools will participate, including:

• Absarokee (2 teams)

• Greybull (2 teams)

• Lewis and Clark (2 teams)

• Luther (2 teams)

• Nashua (2 teams)

• North Middle – Great Falls (2 teams)

• Park City (1 team)

• Poplar (2 teams)

• Shepherd (3 teams)

• Saint Francis – Billings (3 teams)

• West Yellowstone (2 teams)

The public is invited to watch the competition and support the teams. Admission is free, but seating is limited.

The Science Bowl encourages student involvement in math and science; inspires the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math; and rewards superior academic achievement.

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About the National Science Bowl: The Department of Energy (DOE) created the National Science Bowl in 1991 to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields. More than 275,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl® throughout its 28-year history, and it is one of the nation’s largest science competitions. For more information visit https://science.energy.gov/wdts/nsb/. 

About WAPA: Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 25,000 gigawatt hours of clean, renewable power from 57 federal hydroelectric power plants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 15 western and central states. It is part of the Department of Energy. Follow us on Twitter @WesternAreaPowr or visit the website at www.wapa.gov.

About Montana State University Billings:  Montana State University Billings has been an integral part of the Billings community and a student-centered learning environment since its early days as Eastern Montana College. Founded in 1927, the university continues to nurture a longstanding tradition of educational access, teaching excellence, civic engagement and community enhancement in an urban setting.  In the classroom and in the community, students receive a well-rounded unique education and training for Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for careers through the University’s five colleges — arts and sciences, business, allied health professions, education and City College.

Last modified on September 12th, 2023