PADUCAH, Ky. - Seven years ago, EM’s Paducah Site launched the West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl with a simple goal to promote science and math education, reaching as many students as possible.
With the Feb. 3 middle school science bowl behind them and the high school competition coming up on Friday, Feb. 17, Donald Dihel and Robert “Buz" Smith of EM’s Paducah Site Office are leading the planning, organizing and execution of the events.
“Don, Buz and our volunteers work hard with the students, teachers, and the schools to help make this a meaningful and memorable educational experience for our area’s students," said Jennifer Woodard, Paducah Site Lead for EM’s Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office.
Approximately 40 middle and high school teams from Kentucky and southern Illinois participate in the fast-paced, quick-recall contests covering the fields of biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics, energy, and math.
“There is no better way to help students develop their skills than to provide an opportunity for them to compete using their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills," said Smith. “These students are gifted, and the science bowl was created for students who excel in math and science."
Dihel is an EM-certified hazard material manager and Smith is a strategic planner. Dihel said developing the 21st-century workforce at a time when more scientific and technical specialists are retiring is worth the effort.
“It’s also gratifying to see tomorrow’s leaders preparing themselves to solve real-world problems through rewarding careers," he added.
The high school science bowl will be held at the University of Kentucky College of Engineering-Paducah Campus at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
The winning middle and high school teams will advance to compete at the National Science Bowl (NSB) April 27 through May 1 in Washington, D.C.
DOE’s Office of Science manages the NSB finals competition.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
