For Individual Volunteers, NOT Groups
Officiate for virtual, head-to-head regional matches for the National Science Bowl, using Science Bowl Online, the new game interface, on 2/21
WHEN
- Saturday 2/21/2026, 8:15am to 1pm (Hawaii/local time zone) Rain or shine.
-
Sign up by 2/09/2026
WHAT
This question-and-answer competition covers subjects* across biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, energy, and math for high school student teams.
The National Science Bowl is organizing these virtual state-wide regional competitions using head-to-head-in-a-zoom-meeting format for teams.
*Questions are roughly at high school level.
While no STEM knowledge is required to serve as Recognizer+ScoreReporter or Game Operator+Timekeeper, a positive and supportive attitude and attention to detail are very important for all roles.
We need volunteers to serve in these four roles as described:
- Moderator Read the questions accurately. Call interrupts and blurts. Monitor which student is recognizes and answers each question. Prior competition experience as a competitor and/or official is strongly recommended since this person runs the competition room.
- Question/Rules Judge Ensure the correct question and choices are read. Monitors Zoom, monitors distractions during bonus questions, and double checks that the correct person is answering who was recognized.
- Game Operator+Timekeeper Serves as Zoom host and disables Zoom chat; Signs in and manages new Science Bowl Online game interface. Starts timer on game interface after question is completely read. Gives loud, 5-second warning on bonus questions. On the game interface, clicks interrupts/blurts and correct/not correct. Start/stop time on game clock. Awards points and edits score as needed on interface.
- Recognizer and Official Score ReporterShares game link via Zoom chat - then asks Game Operator to disable chat. Asks students to rename themselves in zoom to reflect their game interface positions. Calls on the player who buzzes in using letter/number. Submits final score (google) form to command central.
Learn more about the National Science Bowl organized by the US Department of Energy at https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb
WHERE
Virtual/Zoom
Note: We only shares practice information, zoom links, schedules, and other details with registered volunteers since we cannot accommodate any observers/audience members or walk-ins, i.e., unregistered volunteers
WHY
Typically, about 9,000 high school students from 1,500 teams compete in 65 high school regional events across the country.
These competitions will provide high school students with fun opportunities to test their knowledge and understanding of math and science, plus collaborate on all of their answers.
The 1/17 (OH), 1/31 (AK), 2/14 (LA), and 2/21 (HI) high school regional competitions are virtual head-to-head, official regional competitions organized and hosted by the National Science Bowl since there are no local bowls taking place for these students. They will take place 9am to 2:30 or 3:30pm in the local time zone, with most volunteers needed 9am to 2:30pm.
HOW
To officiate, apply by 2/9 at https://pmd.org/s/VirtualNSBregionals2026.htm
Incomplete submissions cannot be honored.
We canNOT accept any UNregistered volunteers.
Participation is required all day beginning at 9am, but volunteers will not learn their exact ending times until the master schedule is shared by the NSB.
AFTER the application deadline, interested volunteers can join the backup list, since we anticipate cancellations due to illnesses.
Joining the PMD backup list means making a commitment to reserve the entire competition day(s) that you select until the date you provide.
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 with links to online training materials and recordings.
Then a few days before the competition the National Science Bowl (NSB) will email specific details, what to expect, checklist, important links/downloads, etc.
WHO
High school student teams from across the country, without local regional bowls, will compete virtually on 1/17 Greater Cincinnati, 1/31 Alaska, 2/14 Louisiana, and/or 2/21 Hawaii for the opportunity to compete in the national finals competition in-person in Washington, DC, 4/30-5/4.People Making a Difference (PMD) is a nonprofit organization that promotes informed and responsible volunteerism by involving people in tangible work that meets local needs and by assisting companies in building successful community involvement programs that:
- Produce appreciable results while conserving recipients' limited resources
- Educate volunteers about broader issues
- Bring people together to make a difference
What Participants Say About Competing in the NSB
"NSB allows students to 'find their tribe,' which could mean everything to a student."
Teachers/Coaches:
"It's the things outside of the classroom where you really get to put your heart and soul into it."
"...if you need encouragement as an educator."
"...to be reminded of (my) goal to lift up society."
"(The students') thirst for knowledge is incredible."
"(The students') drive to learn more made me want to learn more."
"It's crazy how (the students) are teaching each other."
"Thanks to you and the volunteers for organizing a well-run meet."
Coach Glenn Evans, Mt. Ararat High School Coach 2023
Students/Competitors:
"(standard science) classes weren't enough for my curiosity."
"...a reason to study other topics of interest."
"...for kids who want to go the extra mile."