What is it called when two hydrogen atoms bond to the carbon atoms of a former double bond and energy is released?
What is the name for a fibrous protein that provides mechanical strength in cartilage, ligaments, tendons and bones?
Which numbering system uses a base (radix) of eight?
If you know the answer to any of those questions there are dozens of high school students across the state who’d like to be your friend.
It’s all about science this coming Saturday, Feb. 9 at Gorham’s Bailey Hall. The hall’s first floor will be filled with 45 of the brightest high school students in northern New England competing in the regional Science Bowl.
The day will be an intense round robin competition with questions pertaining to biology, astronomy, earth science, chemistry, physics, computer science and math. All questions will be asked in Jeopardy style, buzzers and all.
What does it take to get to the regional Science Bowl?
“If students want to come then they can come. All you need is four students and a coach,” said Rob Sanford, the force behind USM’s involvement in the competition and a professor of environmental science and policy.
This is not to say, however, that the students do not work hard before coming to the competition. Sanford said most teams practice an hour every day in preparation. That is why every student who attends will not only walk away with a T-shirt and a pin, but also another small gift whether their team places or not.
Companies such as IDEXX, Portland Water District and the Gorham House of Pizza have given donations to the event. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third places and a plaque will be given to the team that is the “best sport” throughout the day.
The first place winners are awarded bountifully. Their team will get a trip to Washington D.C. where they will tour the Capitol and the Smithsonian and then compete in the National Science Bowl.
Although the reward for winning is high, the competition is meant for fun too. Sanford wants the students to have a chance to compete and learn. He will encourage learning by having engineering and science demonstrations between the competitions for the students. The event is run entirely by volunteers, half of whom are USM students. The other half is staff and faculty.
Sanford said he’s still looking for volunteers. To get involved in Saturday’s event, which will run from 8:30 a.m. through mid-afternoon, contact Sanford at 780-5756.
The nine teams that will be competing are from Connecticut Valley High School (N.H.), Lexington High School (Mass.), Bangor and Bonny Eagle High School.
Several USM departments are sponsoring the event including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Provost Office, The College of Nursing and Health Professionals, the School of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology, as well as National Semiconductor.
Staff Writer Natalie Frye can be contacted at: [email protected]