2021 Blue Heron Bowl
a National Ocean Sciences Bowl Regional EventVirtual or In-Person: Details Coming Soon!
The Blue Heron Bowl is a North Carolina regional event for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). The competition places four-person teams against each other in a round-robin style trivia tournament which includes multiple choice and short answer questions with winners able to move onto the national level competition.
Last year’s event, the first-ever hosted at CSI, included a welcome dinner at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and keynote speaker Dr. Reide Corbett provided students with insight into what makes the Outer Banks such a unique location geologically and ecologically.
The plan for the 2021 event for regional bowls around the country is
under development. Due to COVID-19 we may have to host a virtual event. The national office is currently polling participants and volunteers to see what might be possible this year. Build a team for this year! Please stay tuned for more information on the format of the event as well as how to build a team and sign up. Registration will open later this fall. Please contact David Sybert at or call 252-475-5451 with questions.
Virtual Event
A virtual event would take place through Zoom. Last year the National Finals were virtual and there is a successful framework for using chat rooms and having the buzzer and TCQs available to each team one at a time. A virtual event would still require both volunteers and a minimum number of team participants.
In-person Event
If we are able to host an in-person event this year we would host it at CSI and it would likely include a welcome dinner, keynote speaker with the competition the following day. The date for the competition is still being planned as information from teams and volunteers is coming in.
Volunteers
In order to make the Blue Heron Bowl run as smoothly as possible, we will need volunteers! The format of the event, whether virtual or in-person, will determine how many we seek and what roles will need to be filled. For an in-person event, we will need many volunteers to fill the following types of roles.
- Moderator – the moderator should have some experience with an ocean science bowl. They read the rules and the questions to the teams and are responsible for running the match.
- Science Judge – this should be a scientist or graduate student. They are responsible for resolving question challenges that come up during the competition.
- Rules Judge – this can be anyone. They are responsible for ensuring all the rules are being followed and issuing warnings.
- Scorekeeper – this can be anyone. They are responsible for keeping score and announcing the final scores.
- Timekeeper – this can be anyone. They are responsible for staying focused on the clock and announcing after the first half is over.
- Room Runner – this can be anyone. They are responsible for helping with set up, checking equipment, assisting rules judge, delivering questions, and helping pack up.
Team and Volunteer Accommodations
Should an in-person event be held, we will reserve blocks of rooms at local hotels and more information will be provided. In 2020, teams stayed at Comfort Inn South (Nags Head) and Tranquil House Inn (Manteo), and volunteers were housed at the Friends of Elizabeth II Guest House.
Blue Heron Bowl Photos
Click photo thumbnail to expand and view!
ECU’s Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement. ECU ICP includes the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU’s Department of Coastal Studies, and ECU Diving and Water Safety.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
