Thirty-six schools will be represented at the 2026 Western Pennsylvania Science Bowl (WPASB), taking place February 27th and 28th. Middle school competition is scheduled for Friday, February 27th, while high school students will compete on Saturday, February 28th. Both days of the tournament will be held at the Community College of Allegheny County South Campus in West Mifflin.
STEM Competition Reaches 35th Year
The WPASB is a fast-paced, quiz bowl-style competition designed to test students’ knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year’s event marks the 35th anniversary of the WPASB.
According to Adam Lott, regional coordinator for the contests at NETL, “At NETL, we believe this contest inspires students to become the next generation of scientists and engineers who will ensure reliable, affordable and secure energy for our nation and achieve other critical scientific and technical breakthroughs.”
This year’s theme is “Science: The Power Behind the Magic,” highlighting how STEM fields make previously impossible discoveries a reality. Questions will be multiple choice or short answer and will cover biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, energy, mathematics, and physics.
Participating middle schools include Albert Gallatin North, Carson Middle School (North Allegheny), Fort Couch Middle School (Upper St. Clair), Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School (Connellsville), Harrison Middle School (Baldwin-Whitehall), Independence Middle School (Bethel Park), Ingomar Middle School (North Allegheny), Mars Area Middle School, Marshall Middle School (North Allegheny), Peters Township Middle School, Pine-Richland Middle School, and Winchester Thurston School (Pittsburgh).
High schools competing are Baldwin, Bethel Park, Canon-McMillan (Canonsburg), Central Catholic (Pittsburgh), Charleroi Area, Fox Chapel Area, Gateway (Monroeville), Keystone Oaks (Dormont), Lenape Technical School (Ford City), Mars Area, Moon Area, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny, North Hills, Norwin, Parkland (Allentown), Peters Township, Pine-Richland, Sewickley Academy, South Fayette, State College Area, Thomas Jefferson (Jefferson Hills), Upper St. Clair, and Winchester Thurston.
NETL previously conducted the West Virginia School Bowl on February 6th and 7th at West Virginia University in Morgantown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NETL?
NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory dedicated to innovating and accelerating the nation’s energy solutions in hydrocarbon, geothermal energy and critical minerals production.
Where is NETL located?
NETL has research sites in Albany, Oregon; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but operates as one laboratory.
What is the purpose of the Science Bowl?
The WPASB provides an opportunity for students to compete in a quiz bowl-style tournament testing their knowledge in STEM fields.
How might increased participation in STEM competitions like the Western Pennsylvania Science Bowl impact the future of scientific innovation?
