The goals of the Science Bowl are to expose our District's 5th grade students to competition, to help them sharpen their research and communication skills, and to deepen their understanding of Science content.
Step 1: Select 3 students to compete.
Please determine an OBJECTIVE method by which to form your team of three 5th grade students. Data that may be helpful includes:
1) Science benchmark data from Q1 and/or Q2
2) SCPASS scores from 4th grade
3) Use one of the qualifying quizzes below or the general science quiz. It may be a good idea to first consider benchmark scores, then use one of the qualifying quizzes to narrow your search for the best students to form your team.
*Be sure your method is objective, as parents may have questions about why their child was not chosen.
1) Science benchmark data from Q1 and/or Q2
2) SCPASS scores from 4th grade
3) Use one of the qualifying quizzes below or the general science quiz. It may be a good idea to first consider benchmark scores, then use one of the qualifying quizzes to narrow your search for the best students to form your team.
*Be sure your method is objective, as parents may have questions about why their child was not chosen.
- Print and send home the information letter.
- Complete the registration form. Please double-check spelling of student names, as this will the the spelling used for the certificates.
Please enter your t-shirt size and the sizes for each student. Please enter all information accurately the first time. - Coaches, if your game begins at 1:00pm, you must arrive at 12:30pm. In order to do so, please remember to secure coverage for your class!
- Unlike previous years, Rock Hill School District policy now prohibits teachers (or other school staff) from traveling with students in their personal vehicle. Transportation for students to the Central Office will need to be furnished by the parents of your team.
Step 2: Select an ecology-related topic for research.
One of the units of scientific study for 5th grade is Ecology. Help students deepen their knowledge of ecology through research of an ecology-related topic of their choosing. Once a topic has been selected, please email Kim Massey to ask if the topic is satisfactory before your students begin their research.
Step 3: Research your topic. Build your display. Practice your presentation.
Each school will be provided with a tri-fold presentation board. Teams are NOT to perform an experiment. The goal is to conduct research and think of solutions to a real problem.
It is the students' responsibility to conduct the research and build the display. The coach should guide the research and make suggestions, but the work should be completed by the students.
It is the students' responsibility to conduct the research and build the display. The coach should guide the research and make suggestions, but the work should be completed by the students.
Expectations of the Presentation:
In 5-6min, the students will explain the issue they researched. They will explain the causes, the effects, and how the issue is being addressed. Students will point out what their chart shows, what their graph shows, and will explain the next steps they propose to address the issue. Each student must present a portion of the presentation. Each group will be asked at least one question by the judges. Any student from the group may respond to the question(s) asked by the judge.
*Unlike previous years, the presentations will be recorded for show on the RHSD YouTube channel.
In 5-6min, the students will explain the issue they researched. They will explain the causes, the effects, and how the issue is being addressed. Students will point out what their chart shows, what their graph shows, and will explain the next steps they propose to address the issue. Each student must present a portion of the presentation. Each group will be asked at least one question by the judges. Any student from the group may respond to the question(s) asked by the judge.
*Unlike previous years, the presentations will be recorded for show on the RHSD YouTube channel.
Step 4: Report to the Central Office on your assigned date and time.
Preliminary Round: Monday, March 30, 2020 | Tuesday, March 31, 2020 | Wednesday, April 1
Part 1: Students will present their Ecology research project. Judges will score the students, based on a rubric, of up to 50 points.
Part 2: Students will participate in a fast-paced, quiz-style Q & A session.
Students will select a question to answer then buzz-in to be allowed to respond. There will be ten (10) questions, each with a different point value.
The presentation score will be added to the quiz score to determine each team's score.
The 2 highest scoring teams will compete in the Final Round of the competition to be played on Friday, April 3, 2020 at 1:30pm.
Final Round: Friday, April 3, 2020 at 1:30pm
During this round, students will select questions and buzz-in for points. Teams should bring their presentation board, but likely will not need it. The team with more points at the end of this Final Round will be named the 2020 Rock Hill Schools' Science Bowl Champion!
Part 1: Students will present their Ecology research project. Judges will score the students, based on a rubric, of up to 50 points.
Part 2: Students will participate in a fast-paced, quiz-style Q & A session.
Students will select a question to answer then buzz-in to be allowed to respond. There will be ten (10) questions, each with a different point value.
The presentation score will be added to the quiz score to determine each team's score.
The 2 highest scoring teams will compete in the Final Round of the competition to be played on Friday, April 3, 2020 at 1:30pm.
Final Round: Friday, April 3, 2020 at 1:30pm
During this round, students will select questions and buzz-in for points. Teams should bring their presentation board, but likely will not need it. The team with more points at the end of this Final Round will be named the 2020 Rock Hill Schools' Science Bowl Champion!
Additional Information about the Science Bowl
Please emphasize to students and parents that the Science Bowl is about learning.
It is competitive, but we seek to foster a spirit of friendly competition.
Everyone is a winner at Science Bowl.
It is competitive, but we seek to foster a spirit of friendly competition.
Everyone is a winner at Science Bowl.
Scoring of the Presentation: (50 possible points)
NOTE - The appearance of the board is not listed for points, but a nice board is always a plus! The board will be shown on camera. Students should be proud of their board! |
The Quiz (Level 2 of the Competition)

During this portion of the competition, 3 students from each school will be seated at the desk, on camera. Students will choose a question worth a given point value. Once the question is read, each team has the opportunity to ring-in to answer it. If the team who answers first, answers incorrectly, the other team will have the opportunity to answer the question. Missed answers will not result in the deduction of points.
Quiz questions will be based upon general Science knowledge. All questions will be related to elementary Science content. Each question will be supported by either a photo or short video.
Time preparing for the Science Bowl should be devoted to the Ecology research, as there is no way to know what questions will be asked during the quiz.
Quiz questions will be based upon general Science knowledge. All questions will be related to elementary Science content. Each question will be supported by either a photo or short video.
Time preparing for the Science Bowl should be devoted to the Ecology research, as there is no way to know what questions will be asked during the quiz.