Blue Crab Bowl

The Virginia Regional Competition

of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB®) showcases some of the Commonweath's most talented science students as they display their mastery of oceanic knowledge.  In February of each year, teams from 16 high schools compete in a contest co-hosted by Old Dominion University and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.  The winning team goes on to represent Virginia at the National finals where they face teams from 24 other regions. 

The 11th Annual Blue Crab Bowl was held February 22-23, 2008, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.  The Regional Coordinators are pleased to announce: a successful competition involving 16 teams; the 1st to 4th placing teams; and the winning team that will represent the Virginia region at the NOSB finals in April 2008.  See the Press Release!  Check out the event program.

INVITATION TO TEAMS!
The invitation for the Blue Crab Bowl 2009 will open in September 2008. Visit again in August for more information on 2009 dates and deadlines.

A total of 22 schools from across Virginia submitted Statements of Intent, expressing interest in participating in Blue Crab Bowl 2008.  From the field of 24 possible teams, a lottery was used to select teams. Sixteen teams competed in the Blue Crab Bowl 2008.

Competition teams consist of five high school students (four competitors and one alternate) and an adult coach.  Who is eligible to participate?  The Blue Crab Bowl coaching and student participation guidelines describe team composition and coach affiliation. 

For more information, check out the Coaches & Students page or contact the 2008 Teams Coordinator. 

Teams Go Face-to-Face
In this academic competition, students answer multiple-choice, short-answer, and long-answer analytical questions drawn from scientific and technical ocean science disciplines. Topics covered include biology, chemistry, physics, geology, as well as maritime history and current events.  Bowl officials and judges manage the matches and rule on answer acceptibility.

Competition rules and details, practice questions, recommended resources and tips on how to prepare are available on the NOSB® website at www.nosb.org. For an overview of the Blue Crab Bowl, check out the Game in a Crab Shell summary.

Competitors Win Prizes
Students and coaches are awarded exciting prizes at both the regional and the national bowls.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!

Volunteer recruitment and training for Blue Crab Bowl 2008 begins in Fall 2007. The announcements are usually made in November.  Contact the VIMS or ODU Coordinators for the meeting schedule.

Volunteers make the Blue Crab Bowl possible.  Bowl officials and judges are faculty, researchers, graduate students and staff from Old Dominion University, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and their colleague institutions and agencies.  It takes more than 70 volunteers to make this event the success it is each year.  Join us and inspire the next generation of marine scientists!