Washington State’s Ocean
Knowledge Competition
About Orca Bowl
Each year, high school students from across Washington come together for a day of friendly competition and exciting enrichment experiences at Orca Bowl, the state’s regional National Ocean Sciences Bowl® (NOSB) event. Washington Sea Grant partners with several units within UW’s College of the Environment to offer the program.
Orca Bowl challenges and recognizes Washington state’s high school students’ knowledge of the world’s oceans. During the daylong competition, hosted at the University of Washington Seattle campus, teams compete in a round-robin tournament followed by a double elimination round. Students tackle questions in all areas of marine studies, including ocean-related physics, chemistry, geology, biology, social sciences, and technology.
Questions are presented in multiple-choice, short-answer, and team-challenge formats that require strong problem-solving skills and cooperation. The event also provides opportunities for students to meet university and ocean community scientists, faculty, staff, and student volunteers.