The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science. High school and middle school students are quizzed in a fast paced question-and-answer format similar to Jeopardy. Competing teams from diverse backgrounds are comprised of four students, one alternate, and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach.
Gale Ranch Middle School in San Ramon competed against several schools in the region and qualified to go to the National Competition.
There were 110 teams that competed in this weekend’s national finals of the 21st annual U.S. Department of Energy competition.The finals is broken into Round-Robin, Double Elimination and Final between top two teams. Gale Ranch competed against several top regional teams across US and came out undefeated as the Top team to compete.
In the competition between the two finalists, the Gale Ranch team won against Shahala Middle School from Vancouver, Wash., at the contest in Washington, D.C., that took place on May 2nd 2011 in National Building Museum.
The team, coached by George Chemparathy, consists of Saranesh Prembabu, Augustine Chemparathy, Rishi Krishnan, Ladislav Steffko and Ayush Rath.
At the awards ceremony, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu spoke to the more than 500 students and 100 teacher/coaches about the importance of science education to the Nation’s economic and technological future. “These students represent the great promise and potential of America’s next great generation,” said Secretary Chu. “I have no doubt that the exceptional talent and hard work that earned them the Science Bowl championship will serve them well throughout their lives, as they help our Nation tackle the crucial scientific and engineering challenges we’ll face in the years ahead. America’s future will always be bright when we continue to invest in and support the young minds who will be tomorrow’s innovators, pioneers and leaders. That’s what the science bowl is all about.”
In an interview, Saranesh Prembabu shared that, “It was very exciting to win this difficult competition this year. We are glad that our hard work has paid off”. He also added, “It was also a great honor to meet the Seceretary of the Department Energy Steven Chu again this year”. It is remarkable to note that Gale Ranch team won the 2nd place last year and 1st place championship this year. We wish these young scientists a bright future ahead!