About this competition
The National Science Bowl, run by the U.S. Department of Energy, is the country's premier team-format science quiz competition. Teams of 4 students + a coach face off in fast-paced buzzer rounds covering biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, earth science, and energy. Two divisions: Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12).
Roughly 14,000 students compete through 100+ regional events held January through March; regional champions advance to the National Finals at a DOE National Laboratory campus in April-May. The team format makes this one of the best ways to build a science-team identity at a school that doesn't do Science Olympiad.
Season & deadlines
Registration opens early October. Regional events Jan-Feb (MS) and Jan-Mar (HS). National Finals April-May.
Season window: October through May.
Cost
Free — Free to participate. Schools or community teams may need to travel to a regional event at their own expense.
Prizes & outcomes
National champions receive cash awards + Department of Energy lab tours. Top-tier signal for energy/physical-science majors.