Registration Opens for California Nature Bowl Science and Conservation Competition
OutdoorHub 10.19.11
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) invites parents and teachers to help their children have fun learning about California’s natural resources. Registration is now open for the 28th annual Nature Bowl, an elementary school activity-based competition held each spring. This popular program increases the science and conservation literacy of third- to sixth-grade students in the Sacramento Valley and Foothills.
“The participants learn about the natural environments where they live, as well as how to employ teamwork, creativity and critical thinking,” said Nature Bowl Coordinator Bruce Forman.
The Nature Bowl is open to students from any school, group or organized youth club in the area. Teams will consist of three to seven children each. The day-long, semi-final events are held during March and April in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. Several groups will advance to the final event that will be held May 5, 2012.
Prior to the semi-finals, there will be a series of workshops for coaches. Integrating environmental science concepts and conservation information into the classroom curriculum (following the State Science Standards), these workshops help prepare students for the competition. Teachers, youth group leaders or parents may sign up to coach a team. The entry fee for each team is $20, which pays for materials provided.
A coaches’ workshop will be held on Jan. 17, 2012 from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Rancho Cordova. Make reservations by calling (916) 358-2884. Students in Sacramento County will have a choice of two semi-finals to attend at Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Gold River, on April 10 or April 12.
For more information about the Nature Bowl please call DFG at (916) 358-2353 or go to the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/education/Naturebowl.
