LADWP Science Bowl XXIII Is Saturday, Feb. 21

The winning team as the regional champion will travel to Washington, D.C. from April 30 to May 4 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 2014, the theme was the the 50th anniversary of the Theory of Quarks. For 2015, the theme is the International Year of Light.

At this year’s competition, students will vie for a combined $25,000 science “Oscar” awards which include college scholarships 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 and the U.S. Department of Energy, but also the Hitachi Southern California Regional Community Action Committee, the Water and Power Community Credit Union, Gelson’s Markets,  the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Industrial Applications Society, Metro LA Chapter, Office Depot, LA CityView Ch. 35, the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Office Curriculum, Instruction and School Support and LAUSD’s PBS affiliate television station KLCS Ch. 58.

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 the California Environmental Education Foundation, the California Department of Water Resources, Metropolitan Water District and Sandia National Labs on a teacher institute on “Best Practices in Environmental Education and Stewardship.. Also LADWP is working with LAUSD and six non-profit groups on energy and water conservation programs at selected elementary, middle 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.

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