Science Bowl Club functions similarly to a knowledge or quiz bowl but with science-related questions. The topics range from biology, chemistry, physics, and even astronomy. Participants answer questions using a Jeopardy-like buzzer system and try to garner as many points for their team. Every year around January, the club competes in the state tournament hosted at Macalester College. The finalists from that tournament qualify to compete in the national tournament in Washington D.C. When not competing, members gather for weekly practices to work on their trivia skills.
Club leader Tommy Pan ’21 has been a part of Science Bowl since his freshman year and encourages others to participate as well. Pan describes the environment as fun and collaborative. He adds that you should, “come for the people and stay for the science.”
Like any other activity or club this year, Science Bowl has faced some challenges due to COVID-19 safety protocols. However, Pan notes that “with or without COVID, Science Bowl is a dying breed.” He believes that interest in the club has been declining in recent years.
Nonetheless, there is still time to join, and Science Bowl welcomes any new members. Kjirsten Walt, science teacher and club advisor, expresses that anyone can try out Science Bowl at any point in the school year. She explains that “if [you] like trivia and you like science … Science Bowl is exactly where you should be.”
Previously, Science Bowl meetings were being held over Zoom, but with the switch to full, in-person school, they are finally able to meet in person. Anyone that is interested in Science Bowl Club should reach out to Walt for more information.
