HERALD-PROGRESS

March 6, 2008

Patrick Henry students compete in Regional Ocean Science Bowl

A total ol 16 teams representing 14 Virginia high schools faced off Saturday, Feb. 23, at the 11th Annual Blue Crab Bowl.

This academic contest, held at Old Domion University in Norfolksing questions designed by Richmond; tested the students knowledge of the oceans. The Blue Crab Bowl is the Virginia regional competition of hte National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB).

Eighty students, 16 science teachers, more than 30 supporters, and over 70 volunteers gathered for the Blue Crab Bowl. The competing students spent the day in head-to-head contests, testing their knowledge of marine sciences and the ocean. Virginia's competition is among the inaugural marine science bowls started in 1998 as part of project celebraiingthe International Year of the Ocean.

 The Blue Crab Bowl is cooperative effort between Old Dominion University's Department of Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences and Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) - College of William and Mary, and Virginia Sea Grant at VIMS.

Faculty, staff and graduate stu dents from both institutions donated many hours of their lime to ensure the success of this exciting event.

Using questions designed by marine scientists, the round-robin, double elimination contest tested students' knowledge of oceanography, geology, biology, and maritime history. Guided by their teacher coaches, students broadened their awareness and understanding of the oceans as they prepared for the competition. The Bowl provides a forum for students who excel in math and science to receive regional and national recognition for their diligence and talent. During Saturday's event, the competition started with a field of 16 teams, with four emerging as top contenders by late afternoon.

Blue Crab Bowl 2008 Compet ing teams included:

Amelia County High School; Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School, Virginia Beach; Broadwater Academy, Exmore, Northampton County, Chesapeak Bay Governor's School - Glenns Campus, Glenns; Fredericksburg Academy; Grafton High School, Yorktown; James Monroe High School, Fredericksburg; Maury High School, Norfolk; Patrick Henry High School, Ashland; Peidmont Governor's School for Math, Science & Technology, Collinsville, Henry County; Richmond Chrsitian School, Chesterfield, Seton School, Manassas; St. Christopher's School, Richmond; Virginia Beach Friends School.

Winning first place this year was Bishop Sullivan Catholic High  School, coached by Bill Dunn. The first place team will represent Virginia at the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), April 25-27, Seward, Alaska, where they face 24 other regional champions.

Taking second place was Grafton High School, coached by Jane Dodge. In third place was the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School-Glenns Campus team, coach Sherry Pettyjohn. And fourth place went to Broadwater Academy under coach Joe Spagnolo.

Information about the Blue Crab Bowl is also available at www. vims.edu/bcb. For information on other competitions around the country and the National Ocean SCiences Bowl, visit www.nosb.org/.