FAU Harbor Branch to Host 22nd Annual Regional Qualifier for National Ocean Science Competition
Boca Raton, FL – Teams of regional high school students will put their scientific skills to the test during the Florida Manatee Bowl on Saturday, Feb 23. at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Now in its 22nd year, the Florida Manatee Bowl opens up the world of environmental and earth sciences to high school students,” said Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., FAU Harbor Branch director of education and event coordinator. “By exposing students to ocean science early on, they are better prepared to become knowledgeable citizens and future leaders. Although challenging, I know the Ocean Science Bowl will be a fun way for students, teachers, scientists and volunteers to come together and put ocean science into a real world context.”
The competition theme is Observe the Ocean; Secure the Future. The majority of our global ocean remains unexplored, yet we know it’s changing at a time when its role in supporting life on our planet is becoming more transparent every day. As these changes impact every aspect of our society, our need for information on ocean patterns, conditions, and processes is growing exponentially. High-quality data is critical for understanding ecosystem health, biodiversity, climate change, pollution, human health, maritime safety, and food, water, and energy security. Some of the competition questions will focus on this theme.
Students at the Florida Manatee Bowl aren’t the only ones testing their ocean science knowledge – around the nation, young scholars will be competing in 23 other bowls this month. Winners of the competition will advance to the 22nd annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) in Washington, DC. Teams include students from Westwood’s Marine & Oceanographic Academy and Fort Pierce Central High School in St. Lucie County.
