Workshop Review

Person(s) attending: Bill Brewington

Date: April 26-30, 2007

Name of Workshop/Conference: National Science Bowl

Presenter(s): Various presenters

Ideas I brought back for my classroom and to share with others:

•The National Science Bowl is sponsored by the US Dept. of Energy, and 64 teams of high school students from around the country compete in academic and hands-on events. I was the coach for 5 students from CEHS who advanced from the regional competition at USM in March. They represented Maine, VT and NH in this year’s NSB in Washington DC April 26-30.

In addition to meeting and networking with many top science students and teachers from around the country, we were able to attend several lectures and seminars. Each year, a Nobel Prize winner presents during the plenary session. We heard Dr. George Smoot speak on “The History and Fate of the Universe”. I was able to attend two seminars that I found useful, and that I have made reference to in class since returning, on “Effects of Hormones on the Immune System and Disease Development” and “The Uncanny Physics of Superhero Comic Books”.

Our students competed in the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Model Car “speed race” and came in 2nd. They brought home a very large trophy and a check for the science department ($1,500). It was a great experience for all of them.

We definitely want to include next year’s regional science bowl at USM for the science team. Three of this year’s science bowl team are juniors who wish to continue.