Students from Westborough Middle School recently received a Good Sport Award for participating in the United States Department of Energy’s Regional Science Bowl for middle schoolers, which took place at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) on February 25, 2023.
It was the first time students had been able to physically attend the event since 2021, and Westborough was one of 19 teams representing 11 Bay Area schools this year.
According to Westborough science teacher Corinna Low, the Wildcats have fielded a Science Bowl team since 2013.
“We’ve been competing for 10 years and practice every week,” said Low. “Alumni [from college] even come back to help us practice.”
The Good Sport Award is voted on by the teams participating in a particular competition and the adults volunteering to run it.
“I am happy to say that the WMS team. . .are often complimented on how friendly and nice they are,” Low said. “Our students actually applaud and cheer when the other teams get a good answer!”
“I am happy to say that the WMS team. . .are often complimented on how friendly and nice they are,” Low said. “Our students actually applaud and cheer when the other teams get a good answer!”
Also at the regional competition was Jacqueline Orrell, who was working the event as a photographer for SLAC.
Orrell, who graduated from El Camino High, said she was proud of how well the Wildcats represented SSFUSD.
The first National Science Bowl took place in 1991.
An academic contest masquerading as a quiz show, Science Bowl tests students’ knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science.
To participate, students from different schools form teams à la “Family Feud.”
During a match, contestants answer a series of science-related questions for points.
Teams with the most points at the end of a match win.
Schools that win their regional competition advance to the National Science Bowl in Washington, DC.
Months of practice and preparation go into every contest.
