LAMS students with their coach at the NM Regional Science Bowl Competition include (Front Row, left to right) Drew Bacrania, Lydia Davis and Michelle Lo; (back row, left to right): Amy Bartlett-Gaunt (coach), Rafa Rocha, Julia Zou, Amelia Dolejsi, Gavin Bent, Anna Simakov and Maia Warren. Photo Courtesy LAPS
Los Alamos Middle School Science Bowl team members, from left, Rafa Rocha, Lydia Davis, Julia Zou and Drew Bacrania, along with their Coach Amy Bartlett-Gaunt, will be advancing to the National Finals as the New Mexico Regional Champions. Photo Courtesy LAPS
LAPS NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos Middle School Science Bowl team members Drew Bacrania, Lydia Davis, Rafa Rocha and Julia Zou will be advancing to the National Finals after winning their qualifying regional competition held recently at Albuquerque Academy.
The other LAMS team of Gavin Bent, Amelia Dolejsi, Anna Simakov, Michelle Lo and Maia Warren placed second in the competition.
“The two LAMS teams came in first and second in the NM Regionals,” said first year Science Bowl Coach Amy Bartlett-Gaunt. “They were so evenly matched that our runner-up team was winning at halftime. I’m so happy for these students who continue a successful tradition of strong LAMS Science Bowl teams.”
“The National Science Bowl® (NSB) is an extraordinary competition that brings together young minds across America through science and technology,” said Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, DOE Office of Science Director, “and I would like to congratulate the Los Alamos Middle School team as they advance to the National Finals! Good luck to you – our future scientists, visionaries, and leaders!”
The NSB brings together thousands of middle and high school students from across the country to compete in a fast-paced question-and-answer format where they solve technical problems and answer questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, physics, and math.
“The kids showed so much dedication, sportsmanship and sheer knowledge of math and science that it’s impossible not to be blown away by their efforts and their abilities,” added Bartlett-Gaunt. “It’ll be exciting to see the students represent Los Alamos at the National Science Bowl competition in April.”
Launched in 1991, the National Science Bowl® is a competitive science education and academic event among teams of high school and middle school students who compete in a fast-paced verbal forum to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and math. Each team is composed of four students, one alternate student, and a coach.
The winning team from each qualifying regional competition will be eligible to compete in the National Finals held in Washington, D.C., from April 27 to May 1, 2023, with all expenses paid. The national event consists of several days of science activities and sightseeing, along with the competitions.
The top two middle and high school teams will win $5,000 for their schools’ math and science departments. Other schools placing in the top 16 in the National Finals will win $1,000 for their schools’ science departments. But to many, the ultimate prize is simply the prestige of winning the National Championship.
Photo two: LAMS students with their coach at the NM Regional Science Bowl Competition include (Front Row, left to right) Drew Bacrania, Lydia Davis and Michelle Lo; (back row, left to right): Amy Bartlett-Gaunt (coach), Rafa Rocha, Julia Zou, Amelia Dolejsi, Gavin Bent, Anna Simakov and Maia Warren.