Approximately 100 students and coaches to participate in the regional National Ocean Sciences Bowl on Feb. 1    

“Welcome to the fast-paced, fun, exciting world of National Ocean Sciences Bowl!” said Daisy Dailey, director of Educational Outreach and Sea Camp Programs at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

The Galveston campus will host the Texas Sea Grant College Program Dolphin Challenge. This regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl is slated to occur from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Feb. 1 (Saturday) in various rooms in the Classroom Laboratory Building on campus.

Sponsored by Texas A&M Sea Grant, Dolphin Challenge is the north Texas Regional competition of the National Ocean Science Bowl competitions—a nationally recognized and highly acclaimed high school academic science and technology competition.

The Dolphin Challenge is intended to increase knowledge of the oceans on the part of high school students, their teachers and parents, and to raise the visibility and public understanding of the national investment in ocean-related research.

“Texas A&M Galveston is pleased to have the resources to help support science, technology, engineering and math education,” Dailey said. “It’s important that universities partner with schools to promote student success.”

Imagine a science game show or debate forum and add the vigor and enthusiasm of high school students. Student teams have buzzers in their hands and face off against another team of enthusiastic, determined high school students. The pressure is on, when participants are quizzed about their knowledge of science.

During the event, a moderator may pose questions like: What year was the Marine Mammal Protection Act enacted? What is the approximate age of the oldest oceanic crust? How many gallons of water can an oyster filter in one day?

As the clock ticks, judges who have scientific and technical backgrounds, address responses of participating students.

To be eligible to compete, a student must be in grades nine through twelve. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams. The team demonstrating the best character throughout the weekend will be presented with the Ralph Rayburn Sportsmanship Award. Rayburn was a former associate director and extension program leader at Texas Sea Grant.

Starting at 4 p.m., Jan. 31 (Friday), the university’s Educational Outreach department will be hosting a social event at its Wetlands Center for all participating teams. The center is located across Sea Wolf Parkway from the campus. The event will include a hot dog cook-out as well as crabbing activity and review of blue crab biology.

For more information, go to: http://dolphinchallenge.tamu.edu/sportsmanship/RRSportmanship.html or contact Terrie Looney, regional coordinator for Dolphin Challenge at tslooney@ag.tamu.edu or by phone at 409-835-8461.

For information about campus activities and location for the Dolphin Challenge, contact Daisy Dailey, director of Educational Outreach and Sea Camp Programs at daileyd@tamug.edu or by phone at 409-740-4730.

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The National Ocean Sciences Bowl^® (NOSB) is a national academic competition for high schools on topics related to the study of the oceans and managed by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, which represents leading oceanographic institutions universities and aquaria. The bowl is intended to increase high school students’ knowledge of the oceans and enhances public understanding and stewardship of the oceans.

Texas Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources. To achieve this mission, Texas Sea Grant develops and supports research, education and outreach programs and partnerships and relies on the public for knowledge, advice and guidance. Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas and universities across the state to create knowledge, tools, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of Texas.

Texas A&M University at Galveston is the maritime and marine-based branch campus of Texas A&M University. It is a special purpose institution offering academic programs, research and service in marine and maritime studies. The institution is home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy the only maritime academy located on the Gulf Coast. Students at Texas A&M Galveston are known as “Sea Aggies” and like their College Station counter-parts, receive the Aggie Ring and a Texas A&M University diploma.