National Ocean Sciences Bowl

10/12/2026

🗓️ Oct. 22, 2026 from 4:00-5:00 pm MDT

Calling all NOSB coaches and educators! In this free, virtual workshop, NSF NCAR & UCAR Science Education partners with the UCAR Center for Ocean Leadership (home of the NOSB) and the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Association to share resources and classroom investigations that foster deeper understanding of the ocean's role in our Earth system.

We’ll hear stories of IOOS research and learn how scientists around the world collect data to observe and monitor the ocean. Discover classroom activities from the IOOS K-12 Education Toolkit and UCAR SciEd to help your students explore topics such as coastal hazards, ecosystem changes, and food security. You’ll also learn about an exciting opportunity for your students to join a nationwide community of ocean enthusiasts by competing in the annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl.

Cost: FREE!

Register Now: https://scied.ucar.edu/educators/teacher-professional-development/ocean-science

📸 NANOOS

10/01/2026

The 2027 National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) competition year theme is: “From Source to Sea: Understanding Marine Debris."

Marine debris is a persistent pollution problem that reaches throughout the entire ocean and the Great Lakes. Students will explore the origins, movement patterns, impacts, solutions, and eventual fate of marine debris through an interdisciplinary and holistic lens.

The theme influences competition questions, professional development webinars, regional enhancement activities, and other special events. Teams can expect at least one theme-related question in every round. Themes are chosen based on input from students, coaches, and volunteers in our post-regional bowl surveys.

🤿 Dive into theme resources at nosb.org/portfolio-items/marine-debris/

09/08/2026

It’s back-to-school season, and that means it’s the start of another NOSB competition year. So grab your buzzers and form your team; it’s time to dive in because 2027 competition dates are now available on our website! Find your local competition and other 2027 updates at nosb.org.

08/24/2026

Before we close out the summer and swim into the next school year, we hope you enjoy this dive into the NOSB's 2026 competition year, taking pride in being part of this community and everything we have accomplished together. 💛💚💙🧡

Read our 2026 Annual Review:
https://nosb.org/2026-annual-review/

08/07/2026

Have you ever thought, “I could write a better question than that?” Well, now’s your chance! We are crowdsourcing questions from our amazing ocean science community on a volunteer basis to help augment our competitions. This is a great way to engage with the NOSB on your own time, but please note that to ensure fairness, current participating students and coaches are not allowed to submit questions.

Learn more and submit questions by August 30: https://forms.gle/Cw6FiHHExvpJeKb56

07/30/2026

🎓 Meet the 2026 National Ocean Scholars! These five outstanding students participated in the NOSB throughout high school and are now heading to college to pursue careers in ocean and environmental science. Their passion, dedication, and drive to make a difference are truly inspiring.

Thanks to the ongoing support of our NOSB community, as well as our regional coordinator, Lori Tsuruda with People Making a Difference (PMD), we were able to award scholarships to help launch their next chapter. 💙

Read their stories at nosb.org/2026-scholars/

06/08/2026

IT'S WORLD OCEAN DAY! Did you know that for many years, the official name used by the United Nations was World Oceans (plural) Day? It was changed to World Ocean (singular) Day
because there is only one ocean with many features. Our global ocean is one living, connected system that powers our climate, sustains life, and unites us all. How are you celebrating the ocean today?

Read the story behind dropping the S:
https://worldoceanday.org/whyitsnotplural/

Video Credit: NOAA Ocean Today

05/21/2026

The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors.

In 2026, our sponsors helped support 15 regional competitions, serving 176 teams, 874 brilliant students, and 192 dedicated coaches from 123 schools/affiliations across 26 states. This massive effort was also powered by the in-kind support of 748 volunteers, half of whom were new to the NOSB community this year!

It takes a diverse ecosystem of partners to successfully sustain the NOSB program and its integrated activities year after year. From corporations and government agencies to regional businesses and nonprofits, every level of funding is absolutely vital. Our sponsors are essential pillars of the NOSB community and key to preserving our 25+ year legacy. By investing in these students, our sponsors are directly shaping the future of STEM and ocean stewardship.

To our 2026 sponsors: Thank you for your unwavering belief in this program and its students!

💛 Office of Naval Research
💚 Schmidt Ocean Institute
💙 National Marine Educators Association
🧡 Marine Technology Society

04/21/2026

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), we want to take a moment to acknowledge our incredible NOSB volunteers! This year, 748 volunteers supported 15 regional competitions across the U.S., ensuring 176 teams of high school students had the opportunity to showcase their ocean science knowledge. Our NOSB volunteers do a lot to make this program happen. From writing and reviewing competition questions to serving as competition officials, volunteers are a keystone species in the NOSB ecosystem. Please join us in saying THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!

Photos clockwise from top left:
📸 2026 Blue Crab Bowl hosted by Virginia Institute of Marine Science (credit VIMS Communications, Marketing, and Public Engagement Social Media Specialist Candace Johnson).
📸 2026 Salmon Bowl hosted by College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences - Oregon State University.
📸 2026 Spoonbill Bowl hosted by University of South Florida College of Marine Science.
📸 2026 Blue Lobster Bowl hosted by MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences and People Making a Difference (PMD).
📸 2026 Tsunami Bowl hosted by UAF College of Fisheries & Ocean Sciences (credit Victoria Provenza Volunteer Moderator).
📸 2026 Spoonbill Bowl hosted by University of South Florida College of Marine Science.

04/09/2026

🎓 Attention NOSB Graduating Seniors - Apply to the National Ocean Scholar Program by May 31! This scholarship program provides $1,000 in tuition assistance for NOSB students who have an interest in pursuing an ocean or environmental science major in their first year of post-high school education. Funds can be spent on college-related costs including tuition, fees, textbooks, a laptop or tablet, or transportation (parking or bus fare).

Eligible students are required to complete a simple Google Form application with the following:

✅ TWO essays (1000 words or less total)
✅ TWO letters of recommendation
✅ ONE piece of media, with a written description (250 words or less), that highlights your experience with the NOSB
✅ Proof of admission to an institution of higher learning

Learn more and apply by May 31 at:

Scholarships As part of the NOSB’s continuing effort to recognize individual achievement, the Center for Ocean Leadership offers the National Ocean Scholar Program. This scholarship program provides tuition assistance (up to $1,000) for NOSB students who have an interest in pursuing an ocean or en...