The winning team as the regional champion will travel to Washington, D.C. from April 24 to 28 to represent the city and compete at the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl, where it will face 69 other teams from more than 40 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.  LADWP regional championship teams have among the best records in the U.S. at the National Science Bowl, having won four national titles and placing among the top five teams 11 times.  The trip to Washington, D.C. is funded by the Department of Energy.

Science Bowl demonstrates the LADWP’s commitment to the city’s youth and the Los Angeles educational community.  A proud LADWP tradition, Science Bowl tests students’ reflexes, teamwork skills and knowledge of science, math and technology in a fun competitive atmosphere following a television game show format.

The Science Bowl provides a venue that demonstrates through competition that science, math and technology are as exciting as sports.  The program enables students to showcase their talents and sharpen their academic skills.

Each year a different theme is chosen for the LADWP Science Bowl that highlights an important science, technological innovation or individual. In 2013, the theme recognized the Centennial of the Los Angeles Aqueduct. This year the regional theme marks the 50th anniversary of the Theory of Quarks, which are elemental particles and the fundamental component of matter.  The quark model was independently proposed by physicists Murray Gell-Man and George Zweig in 1964.  Dr. Gel-Man is an emeritus professor at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech). He was recently recognized by CalTech for his significant contribution to the field of particle physics.

At this year’s competition, students will vie for a combined $25,000 in college scholarship funds for themselves and prizes for their respective schools. First place team members will receive $1,000 Hitachi Scholarships as well as $2,000 for their school.  Some teams will compete in the Water and Power Community Credit Union Hands-On Competition.

This year, Science Bowl sponsors include not only LADWP, but also the Hitachi Southern California Regional Community Action Committee, the Hitachi Foundation, the Water and Power Community Credit Union, Gelson’s Markets,  the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Power Engineering Society, Metro LA Chapter, IEEE Industry Applications Society, Metro LA Chapter, Office Depot, LA CityView Ch. 35, the Los Angeles Unified School District. and the U.S. Department of Energy.

LADWP has partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and other educational institutions for more than 30 years. Currently, in addition to Science Bowl, LADWP Educational Programs and partnerships include the Adopt-A-School Program, Youth Service Academy, and an Electric Safety Program for grades 4-6 which includes the Emmy-winning video “Outdoor Electric Safety” program produced by LA CityView Ch. 35.  This school year LADWP is also partnering with LAUSD in rolling out districtwide a new chemistry curriculum which focuses on the LADWP Water Quality Lab. In addition, LADWP and LAUSD are continuing to implement a curriculum package for the 6th grade on renewable energy. Also LADWP is also working with LAUSD and two non-profit groups on energy and water conservation programs at selected elementary and high schools located in the city.

LADWP is the largest municipally-owned utility in the nation with more than 1.4 million customers. It has provided utility services to residents and businesses in the city of Los Angeles for more than a century. It is only one of a few coordinating regional Science Bowl sponsors that is a utility.

###

WALTER ZEISL
(213) 367-1342, cell (213) 923-6468
walter.zeisl@ladwp.com