2025 NOSB Finals Competition
Sounding the Depths: Understanding Ocean Acoustics
May 16*, 17, and 18, 2025
Host: Center for Ocean Leadership with support from People Making a Difference
Location: Virtual
Format: Head-to-head competition on Zoom
Theme Resources
General Resources
Competition Program
Program coming soon!
Regional Bowl Winners
Events
Deadline to Confirm Team Participation
March 21, 2025
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.
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 expected during the 2025 Finals virtual field trip(s) and the opening ceremony. Team attendance will count towards scoring of the Sportsmanship Award.
More information coming soon.
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 expected during the 2025 Finals virtual field trip(s) and the opening ceremony. Team attendance will count towards scoring of the Sportsmanship Award.
More information coming soon.
Finals Competition
May 16*, 17 and 18, 2025
*Friday, May 16: Optional TCQ session before or after opening ceremonies
- 2:45 – 4 pm ET – TCQ Session I Option 1
- 9:15-10:30 pm ET – TCQ Session I Option 2
Saturday, May 17: Official competition day 1
- 9:50 am ET – TCQ Session I Option 3
- 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
- 4:50 pm ET – Award Ceremony
