# National Science Bowl Middle School Division The National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition run by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science since 1991. In the middle school division, teams of four students (plus an alternate) and a teacher-coach answer rapid-fire buzzer questions across biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. Approximately 50 middle school regional Science Bowl tournaments are held each year, and each regional champion earns an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Finals in Washington, DC - scheduled for April 29 to May 3, 2027. ## What You'll Do - Form a school team of four students, one alternate, and a teacher who serves as advisor and coach - Drill buzzer-style questions in all branches of science and mathematics - Compete in a fast-paced verbal question-and-answer forum at your assigned regional tournament - Advance to the multi-day National Finals if your team wins its regional ## Who Should Apply Students enrolled in grades 6, 7, or 8 at the team's school (homeschool teams are also accommodated under the official rules). Ask a science or math teacher to register a team for your assigned regional event when registration opens in the fall. ## Outcomes Competitors sharpen recall, teamwork, and depth across every science discipline, and regional champions travel to Washington, DC for the National Finals. The Science Bowl is one of the most visible academic honors a middle school team can earn, with DOE-sponsored recognition at every level.