Buzzer-style multiple choice and longer, critical thinking-based questions covered cross-disciplinary ocean science knowledge as well as topics relevant to the theme, Observe the Ocean, Secure the Future. These questions tested students on their knowledge of the technology needed to observe the ocean, how and why scientists gather ocean data, the challenges of processing such huge data sets, and how ocean observations address societal needs. Teams also presented science recommendations on a piece of legislation in theScience Expert Briefing (SEB), a mock congressional hearing that enhances the critical thinking elements of the competition and focuses on real-world skills.
The top eight teams at the Finals Competition were:
1st Place – Albany High School (Albany, California)
2nd Place – Santa Monica High School (Santa Monica, California)
3rd Place – Ladue Horton Watkins High School (St. Louis, Missouri)
4th Place – Centerville High School (Centerville, Ohio)
5th Place – Marine Academy of Science and Technology (Highlands, New Jersey)
6th Place – Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport, Oregon)
7th Place – Newport High School (Seattle, Washington)
8th Place – Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut (New London, Connecticut)