For Individual Volunteers, NOT Groups
Officiate for the MIT Science Bowl's High School Invitational
WHEN
- Saturday 11/11/2023, 8am-1pm, or 8am-5pm
-
Sign up by 10/24/2023
WHAT
This fast-paced question-and-answer competition on subjects* across biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, energy, and math will engage high school student from MA and beyond. This is the fifth year that this invitational is being held. Matches will be played head-to-head.
*Questions are roughly at the college freshman level.
Save the Dates: The 2024 Maine High School Science Bowl hosted by PMD will take place virtually on 2/3/24, and the
2024 Northeast Regional Middle School Science Bowl hosted at MIT will take place on Saturday 2/24/24.
Learn more about the National Science Bowl organized by the US Department of Energy at https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb
WHERE
MIT, Cambridge
Note: PMD only shares specific directions, maps, and other details with registered volunteers since we cannot accommodate any walk-ins, i.e., unregistered volunteers simply showing up.WHY
Typically, about 9,000 high school students from 1,500 teams compete in the 65 high school regional events.
This invitational will provide high school students with fun opportunities to test their knowledge and understanding of math and science.
This is an unofficial event organized and hosted by the MIT Science Team, dedicated MIT students who also host the Northeast Regional Middle School Science Bowl at MIT (2/24/24), the official regional NSB competition.
HOW
Volunteers age 18 and older must complete PMD's official authorization form for a criminal history record check AND provide a high-res current photo ID by 11/5. If mailing photocopies, then must be postmarked by 10/24/23.
Registrants must also agree to an online MIT Science Bowl Code of Conduct by 10/25/23.
Incomplete submissions cannot be honored.
We canNOT accept any UNregistered, walk-in volunteers.
Participation is required for the entire project shift for which you sign up. Folks who want to volunteer after 1pm will have staggered ending times that conclude before 5pm, but ending times may not be confirmed until 11/10.
AFTER the 10/25 application deadline, interested volunteers can join the backup list, since we anticipate (and promote) cancellations due to covid-19 infection and exposure. Joining the PMD backup list means making a commitment to reserve the shift and training night you select until the date you provide.
For volunteers age 17, a parent/guardian must co-sign a printout of PMD's waiver/release.
Call PMD if you cannot apply using our form.
If you experience any difficulty applying online to volunteer with PMD, please immediately CALL THE PMD OFFICE at
After you apply, you will see a confirmation screen and receive a confirmation email message, so be sure to save the date and times on your calendars AND add Lori@pmd.org to your address/white/allow list.
Then a few days before the training-practices and this competition PMD will email specific details, including directions to the project site by public transit and by car, what to wear/expect, checklist, map, and release form for minors that a parent/guardian must co-sign and provide at at check-in on 11/12 -- Volunteers age 18+ provide their consent when registering online, to minimize paper/contact.
WHO
Healthy volunteers age 17 and older are welcome to officiate. Earlier registrants tend to be assigned their higher preference role choices.While no science/engineering knowledge is required to keep score or time, or serve as an administrator, attention to detail is very important for all roles.
Advance training-practice at MIT is required for all NON-administrator roles on either on Thursday 11/2 or Sunday 11/5, 6-8pm.
Non-MIT volunteers age 18+ must authorize a criminal history record check by 11/5.
We need volunteer moderators, science/question judges, score keepers, time keepers, and administrators:
- Moderators Read questions for the students for several hours. STEM background required. Strong STEM background and prior competition experience as a competitor and/or official is strongly recommended. Typically alternates reading questions aloud with Science/Question Judge.
- Science/Question Judges Follow along to ensure that moderator reads questions accurately, operate buzzer software and recognize students, and handle challenges on scientific merit. STEM background required. Prior NSB/comparable quiz bowl experience desired. Typically alternates reading questions aloud with Moderator.
- Score Keepers Keep track of and tally the scores for two teams. Requires attentiveness, focus on game play/details, and accurate adding skills.
- Time Keepers make sure moderator and students observe the timing rules of the competition
- Administrators check teams in, run score sheets, set up, supervise lunch, and perform miscellaneous tasks to help the competition run smoothly
Video of the in-person high school 2022 National Finals championship round: https://youtu.be/4rWYhgyAxhg