The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), supported by the Office of Naval Research, hosts annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Leader Challenges on Scoutlier, a free online learning platform for educators. These challenges allow high school students to learn from ocean science experts, tackle real-world problems, and compete for prizes. This year’s challenge focuses on ocean acoustics, exploring the study of sound in the marine environment through the integration of art and science. Students will use the acronym WAVES to guide their exploration of data science, sound, and ocean sciences, creating artistic representations of oceanic phenomena that highlight the importance of data in understanding and protecting our oceans.
The challenge includes lesson guides for teachers and students, suitable for both classroom and independent use. Students have the option to submit a final product, which includes a presentation showcasing their artwork and a short video explaining their creative process, for scoring by the NOSB. The top three submissions will receive Amazon gift cards, with a bonus award for the best description of the artwork’s accessibility for all audiences. For more details about the challenge and how to utilize the resources, view the NOSB STEAM Leader Challenge: WAVES Introduction slides.
Challenge resources are available now on Scoutlier and the official submission period for final products is from February 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025 (extended from February 28). Please complete the Ocean Acoustics STEAM Leader Challenge (WAVES) Interest Form to receive updates about the challenge and notifications when the submission process opens*.
Additional resources on ocean acoustics are available on the Ocean Acoustics Theme Resource Page to support learning.
*Please note, by completing the interest form you are also agreeing to be contacted by the NOSB staff with a quick survey in regards to your use of the challenge with your students. While voluntary, we do hope you will help us learn about how you used the challenge and the impact it had on both you and your students. Any questions can be emailed to nosb@ucar.edu.
STEAM Leader Challenge Official Submission Details
The official submission form for the design challenge is now open! Submissions are due by Monday, March 31, 2025 (we’ve extended the deadline).
→ SUBMIT HERE: Official Entry Form (assignment code NCNVJN)
Here’s what each team needs to submit:
- Team Name
- Artwork details (photos, links, or files)
- Video link
- Presentation link
📝 Important: Please ensure all sections of the entry form are completed fully. Judges will review the artwork, video and presentation slides. Please note all school and student details will remain confidential. Links to digital artwork, the video, and presentation slides must allow the graders to view and download the files (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox). If you upload to YouTube as an unlisted video, please also email the video file to nosb@ucar.edu. The materials included in the submission may be used in communications by the National Ocean Sciences Bowl about the STEAM Leader Challenge and winners.
🏆 Judging Criteria: Submissions will be evaluated using the official rubric, and winners will be announced by the end of April 2025.
💡 Need assistance? We’re here to help! If you or your students have any questions or technical difficulties within Scoutlier, feel free to reach out: bethprice@aecern.com. Questions about the challenge itself can be directed to: nosb@ucar.edu.
We’re excited to see the data-based artwork your students have created! Thank you for making this challenge such a success.
Prizes Available
- 1st place – $400 gift card
- 2nd place – $300 gift card
- 3rd place – $200 gift card
- Best artwork accessibility description – $100 gift card
