The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science National Science Bowl® (NSB) is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Middle and high school student teams from diverse backgrounds are comprised of four or five students and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach. These teams face-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format, being tested on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics, energy, and math.

The Department of Energy 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 320,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl throughout its 31-year history, and it is one of the nation’s largest science competitions.

Beginning in January each year, more than 9,000 high school students and 5,000 middle school students will compete in 65 high school and 50 middle school regional Science Bowl tournaments.

The winning team from each regional competition is invited to participate in the National Finals. The teams representing each regional, both middle and high school, will compete in the National Finals, held in Washington, DC.

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science manages the National Science Bowl®, and sponsors the NSB finals competition. The Department of Energy'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.

-Read the complete Coordinator Manual here.