Email nosb(at)ucar.edu to confirm with National Office staff.
Required Coach Training
Date Options:
Friday, March 28, 1-2 pm ET / 10-11 am PT
Thursday, April 24, 8-9 pm ET / 5-6 pm pT
Sunday, April 27, 6-7 pm ET / 3-4 pm PT
The NOSB national office will hold trainings for the coaches of teams competing in the 2025 virtual Finals Competition. The trainings will go over the general timeline of events, explain the minor changes to the competition rules (given teams will compete held head-to-head over Zoom), explain the technical requirements, and address any questions. Coaches must attend at least one training. Please note, trainings are for coaches only. One training will be recorded and be available for coaches to share/rewatch with team members.
The NOSB is looking for volunteers to assist with our 2025 virtual National Finals Competition on May 16-18, 2025. The top 18 teams will compete head-to-head over Zoom, completing the buzzer question rounds and Team Challenge Questions (TCQs). To be successful, the NOSB needs volunteers from across the country to serve as competition officials. There are many ways to get involved from the comfort of your home, whether reading questions to the teams, judging the scientific accuracy of students’ answers, keeping score or time, ensuring rules are followed, or proctoring and grading TCQs. As a volunteer, you will also be invited to our Finals virtual “field trip” with MBARI’s Fathomverse and the Finals Opening Ceremony, where you will be introduced to the competing teams. At least one training and practice session is required for all volunteers. Registration closes on April 28. Any questions about this opportunity can be directed to nosb(at)ucar.edu.
There will be an optional practice session for NOSB Finals Competition teams. Individual team members, coaches, or whole teams can join to practice with the virtual NOSB Finals Competition infrastructure.
Virtual Field Trip with Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) FathomVerse
Thursday, May 8, 2025
8-9 pm Eastern / 5-6 pm Pacific
Similar to our rule noting that all team members must be in attendance for ALL in-person Finals competition events and activities, team representation is highly encouraged during the 2025 Finals virtual field trip(s) and the opening ceremony. Team attendance will count towards scoring of the Sportsmanship Award.
FathomVerse: Where Gaming Meets Community Science to Explore Our Ocean
FathomVerse is a community science game that invites ocean enthusiasts to interact with real underwater images and improve the artificial intelligence that helps researchers study ocean life. The game combines immersive imagery, compelling gameplay, and cutting-edge science to inspire a new wave of ocean explorers. Available for free on the App Store and Google Play, FathomVerse empowers anyone with a smartphone or tablet to take part in ocean exploration and discovery.
Speaker: Dr. Kakani Katija, MBARI, Principal Engineer
Dr. Kakani Katija is a Principal Engineer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. As lead of the Bioinspiration Lab, Kakani and her group investigate ways that imaging and broad community engagement can enable observations of life in the ocean. As lead of the FathomNet program, Kakani guides the development of the FathomVerse mobile game.
Coach and Volunteer Office Hours
Date options:
Monday, May 12, 1-2 pm ET / 10-11 am PT
Tuesday, May 13, 4-5 pm ET / 1-2 pm PT
The NOSB staff will hold office hours on the following dates for any last minute questions. Coaches and volunteers do not need to attend these office hours, but can ‘drop in’ during the hour, as available. Please add them to your calendars if you plan to join. Links to the meeting will be provided via email the week prior.
Finals Opening Ceremony
Friday, May 16, 2025
8-9 pm ET / 5-6 pm PT
Similar to our rule noting that all team members must be in attendance for ALL in-person Finals competition events and activities, team representation is highly encouraged during the 2025 Finals virtual field trip(s) and the opening ceremony. Team attendance will count towards scoring of the Sportsmanship Award.
Special presentation about the CRESCENDO project at the University of South Florida by Dr. Heather O’Leary
CRESCENDO (Communicating Research Expansively through Sonification and Community-Engaged Neuroaesthetic Data-literacy Opportunities) is an innovative interdisciplinary project that reimagines how environmental data is communicated. Led by Dr. Heather O’Leary, the initiative translates complex data from critical issues like harmful algal blooms and red tide into immersive experiences that bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
A musical piece created from environmental data was presented at a USF Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble concert on February 6. The music is written in two parts: Sanctuary, which represents the coral reef under siege and Cardinal Flow that takes you through the ups and downs of red tide. (USF CRESCENDO)
Finals Competition
May 16*, 17 and 18, 2025
*Friday, May 16: Optional TCQ session before or after opening ceremonies
3:00 – 4 pm ET – TCQ Session 1a
9:30-10:30 pm ET – TCQ Session 1b
Saturday, May 17: Official competition day 2
9:50 am ET – TCQ Session 1c
11 am ET to 5 pm ET – TCQ Sessions and Round Robin Buzzer Rounds
Sunday, May 18: Official competition day 2
12:30 pm ET to 4:45 pm ET – TCQ Sessions and Single Elimination Buzzer Rounds
