[January 31, 2023, St. Paul, MN]  Wayzata High School’s Team 1 won the Minnesota High School Science Bowl, which was held at Minnetonka High School on January 28. Wayzata’s team will advance to the National Science Bowl after edging out 25 other teams from 14 high schools during the competition organized by the Minnesota Academy of Science.

Wayzata’s winning team consists of Eric Chen, Matthew Chen, Khoi Le, Samarth Ram and Aneesh Swaminathan and is coached by Wayzata High School teacher Amanda Laden. The team will represent Minnesota in the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl held in Washington D.C. from April 27 to May 1. Wayzata’s Team 2 came in second place and Minnetonka High School’s Team 1 came in third place. See full competition results at mnmas.org.  

During Science Bowl, students compete head-to-head in five-person teams to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and math. The tournament runs in a fast-paced, Q&A format where students race to ring in with their answers first and then work collaboratively on multi-part follow-ups. Each team plays multiple games in a round robin tournament, competing to advance to a double-elimination championship. 

Science Bowl is a venue for students to exercise their science and math knowledge while also strengthening their teamwork skills. “I love seeing the excitement and pride on students' faces when they get a question correct or cheer on their peers,” said Science Bowl volunteer Ally Milenkovic. “These are good students, and they deserve this opportunity to be challenged, supported, and celebrated.”

Founded in 1873, the Minnesota Academy of Science is a statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering interest in STEM by sponsoring STEM-education programs and events for students in elementary school through college. The Academy coordinates Science Bowl with the help of 60 volunteers and with generous support from organizations including the Minnesota Department of Education, Ecolab, and the Hardenbergh Foundation.