Thursday, January 29, 2026
Motivation
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Middle School Science Bowl® is a highly publicized national competition. It involves a math and science academic competition. Beginning in January 2026, more than 10,000 Middle and High School students are expected to compete in regional tournaments throughout the nation. The winner of Brookhaven’s regional competition will be sent to Washington D.C. to compete in the National Competition.
This year, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will host ONLY the academic competition for the National Science Bowl®. All middle school students who attend school on Long Island and in New York City are eligible and are invited to participate. In the academic competition, teams of middle school students answer questions on scientific topics in earth science, physical science, life science, math, and general science. Teams are comprised of five students (one of whom is an alternate) and a teacher who acts as an advisor and coach. The competition consists of a round robin followed by a double elimination final. Questions are in the form of multiple choice and short answer.
Audience for This Competition
This competition is suitable for all 9-12 grade students and teachers interested in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, astronomy, and general, earth, and computer science. Team members must attend the same high school.
Application Process & Forms
Pre-registration will open Monday, November 17, 2025, 11:59 pm, which will allow coaches to confirm participation for one team from their school.
To finish registration, student names, information and consent forms must be submitted by Sunday, November 23, 2025, 11:59 pm or the team will risk forfeiting their spot in the competition.
Note: All media releases must be submitted through the National Science Bowl online system.
Do not forget to complete the REQUIRED parental consent and team media release form on the NSB site!
Information for Teachers
- Official Academic Competition Rules (pdf)
- Helpful Hints for Participating (pdf)
- Other Tips & Resource Information
- U.S. Department of Energy's National Science Bowl®
Other coach information, rules, and practice questions can be found on the NSB site.
Awards
A first place winner will be awarded to the academic competition winner, and an invitation to an all-expense paid trip to compete in Washington D.C. for the national title. Second through fourth place teams will receive plaques. All students who take part in this competition will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Rules & Eligibility Criteria
Schools can pre-register one team starting November 17th. Teams will be accepted November 23th if all student information is submitted and approved. After November 23th, teams may not change student participants. A new registration will need to be submitted and will then go back into the queue for selection. Second teams will not be accepted until after December 8th.
Note: we will be accepting a maximum of 20 teams.
Expected Conduct
At Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) sponsored events, discriminatory behavior or harassment of conference participants or presenters will not be tolerated. Event Code of Conduct
Important Dates
| November 17, 2025 | General registration opens at 12:00 p.m. |
| November 23, 2025 | General registration closes at 11:59 p.m. |
Competition Information
2025 Regional Champion
Great Neck South Middle School's first-place team, from left to right, Diane Caplain (coach), Zale Zhang, Nathan Li, Ryan Tsai, Leeann Lee, and Nathan Wong (coach). (David Rahner/Brookhaven National Laboratory) News Release