National Science Bowl ®

The National Science Bowl® is a nationwide academic competition that tests students' knowledge in all areas of science. Competing teams from diverse backgrounds are composed of four students, one alternate and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach. Coordinated by the Department of Energy, this tournament challenges high school students with questions about chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and astronomy, as well as other areas, such as Earth and computer science.

Arcadia High School, based in Arcadia, California, won the 2022 National Science Bowl regional competition. University High School of Irvine, California, came in second place, and Fullerton’s Troy High School place third.

The National Science Bowl is designed to inspire students to pursue careers in science or math. In its 362-year history, approximately 330,000 students have participated in the science bowl.

The 2023 National Science Bowl Regional Competition will be held February 4, 2023, hosted by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. It will be comprised of 24 teams from Los Angeles County and others nearby. Teams will be selected by lottery. To enter the lottery the coach must send a letter of intent to participate on school letterhead (must include email address and daytime phone number). Also, there is a nonrefundable registration fee of $75.00 per team for entrance into this competition that must be included with the letter. Checks are to be made payable to “JPL”. Mail both items together to: Public Services Office, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Mail Stop 186-113, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109. To be included in the lottery we must receive your check and letter of intent by Friday, October 28, 2022, as well as complete the on-line registration at: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb/Regional-Competitions. Online registration opens Monday, October 3, 2022.

Lottery winners will be announced on Friday, November 11, 2022. Checks will be returned to those teams not selected. Our Regional competition may be in person or virtual given the circumstances at the time of the competition.

Science Spotlight

Peter Hung - Science Bowl and Ocean Science Bowl, 2002, 2003, 2004 Arcadia High School

Current Position:
Member of the Technical Staff at the Aerospace Corporation

He received his BS in Physics, and MS and PhD in Applied Physics from the California Institute of Technology where his work focused on a new paradigm for mass spectrometry using nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). By tracking the vibrational speed of nano-structures one thousand times smaller than the width of our hair, individual atoms and molecules can be quantified and identified. He currently works at the Aerospace Corporation, a nonprofit that runs a Federally Funded Research and Development Center dealing with national security space missions. By using his expertise in nano-systems, he helps the Aerospace Corporation provide guidance and advice to military, civil, and commercial customers to ensure the success of complex, technology-based programs.