Students from Longfellow Middle School are competing in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science’s National Science Bowl regional competition on Saturday, March 5 at Jefferson Lab, located at 12000 Jefferson Ave., Newport News.

The National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Middle and high school student teams from diverse backgrounds are comprised of four students, one alternate and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach. These teams face-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format, being tested on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy and math.

The team from Longfellow will be competing against 20 teams from across the state for a chance to compete at the national level during the Science Bowl, which will be held from April 28 – May 2 in Washington, D.C. The winner of the national competition will win prizes for the team members and their schools.

Among the prizes up for grabs at the national competition are adventure trips to Alaska and national parks across the country to learn first-hand about science in the field, as well as trophies, medals and supplies for their schools’ science departments.