Deep-Thinking Ocean Science Team Showcases Marine Knowledge at Sponge Bowl
The team took fifth place this year in the Sponge Bowl. Photo: @mhsoceanscience
By AYELEN FERNANDEZ
The Ocean Science Team delivered a fin-tastic performance, netting fifth place in the Sponge Bowl on March 22, showcasing their quick thinking and excitement for all things science.
The Sponge Bowl is a part of The National Science Bowl, a nationwide academic competition challenging students to demonstrate their mastery of science and mathematics.
Coach Kimberly Lau, who served as a mentor through intense preparation and competition, said, “During rounds where students could challenge concepts or rules, I saw several kids successfully do so. It made me so proud to see them stand their ground.”
One of the most thrilling moments came when Round 4 was reaching its end, with the team down 73-75. With just two seconds remaining, they pulled off a dramatic win. “I knew they wanted to react right away but they couldn't,” said Ms. Lau. “When they finally did, I saw their faces light up and it brought me so much excitement.”
Competitions revolve around a lockout buzzer system that only allows the fastest team to respond. In action-packed rounds, students are faced with challenging questions like “What is the name of the vertical transition zone in the ocean where density increases rapidly with depth?” and "What is the most common form of carbonate mineral found in coral skeletons?” (The answers, by the way, are pycnocline and aragonite.)
The structure includes “toss up” questions that are multiple choice, answered individually by the first student to buzz in. A correct response gives the team the opportunity to earn bonus points by answering a follow up question. Unlike toss ups, the bonus question can be discussed among team members before a final answer is given.
While prepping for these fast-paced competitions, the team has maintained close bonds that have tied into their success.
“We are a family; all of us have been on the team for two to three years, and through practices we’ve been able to grow closer,” Captain Maya Istovich ‘26 said. “Everyone has been familiar with each other, but this season our bond has grown much stronger. We all knows each other's ins and outs.”
“This year in particular the team has been able to connect on a deeper level and communicate more often,” Eric Lin ‘27 said. “We all have different strengths and weaknesses, but the same end goal: to win as a team.”
The team has seen a wave of new members joining this year. For some members, joining meant not only catching up with those who have years of experience but also facing their first competition.
“It was a nerve-racking experience, but I became more confident once I heard familiar questions,” said Abigail Figueroa ‘28. “I learned to trust my team even if we weren’t sure about an answer. Whatever we knew, we knew.”
The team is a scheduled class within the school day. From Monday to Thursday students focus on learning topics related to marine biology and physical science, and Fridays are used as competition practices, using buzzers to mimic a real competition.
“My kids are very competitive,” Ms. Lau said. “They often fall out of their chairs while trying to buzz as quickly as they can.”
“I’ve known these kids since their freshman year, all sorts of personalities,” she added. “We are like a dysfunctional family – they argue but they always have each other's backs.”
The Ocean Science Team is a good fit for academically advanced students, as questions require competency across multiple subjects, including marine biology, maritime law, and physics. The difficulty increases the rewarding feeling that comes with success.
“Seeing my kids' reaction when they win brings me joy to know that they see their hard work has paid off. It's the best feeling to see them proud of themselves,” Ms. Lau said. “These kids are incredibly dedicated. They take the initiative to do virtual practices on their own. They hardly need me!”
After the Sponge Bowl, the Ocean Science Team sets their sights on the New York State Envirothon, ready to embrace more brainy questions and surf the tides of competition.