Michigan High School Regional Science Bowl comes to HFC
HFC will host the Michigan High School Regional Science Bowl in the STEM Hub (Room G-110) on the first floor of the Health Sciences Education Center (Building G on the main campus) on Friday, February 20, from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is the first time HFC will host this competition.
The day will begin with an opening ceremony at 7:45 a.m., followed by a full day of academic competition among the high school teams. The closing ceremony will take place from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Ten teams will representing seven high schools. The winning team will compete nationally in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 30, with all expenses covered by the U.S. Department of Energy.
“One of the participating high schools is traveling from Saginaw, highlighting the regional reach and appeal of this competition,” said HFC mathematics instructor Sam Bazzi, who is coordinating the Regional Science Bowl.
The Regional Science Bowl is part of the National Science Bowl, a highly competitive, nationwide academic competition created and managed by the DOE to inspire and challenge students studying science and mathematics through fast-paced quiz questions. The Science Bowl promotes excellence in science and mathematics education and encourages students to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Students compete in a fast-paced quiz bowl format that covers biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geoscience, planetary science, and energy topics.
A student idea brought the event to HFC
Hamza Alfares, a student whom Bazzi is mentoring in the Henry Ford II Honors Program, spoke to Bazzi about hosting this competition at HFC. Bazzi brought the idea to the College administration, which was very supportive, and committed the resources to make it possible.
“I proposed hosting the Regional Science Bowl at HFC because our campus offers a supportive academic environment and the facilities needed for a successful STEM event,” said Alfares. “HFC is committed to promoting science and student engagement, making it an ideal location to showcase teamwork, critical thinking, and academic excellence through this prestigious competition.”
Bazzi will serve as the Michigan Regional Science Bowl Coordinator becaue the competition requires a designated regional coordinator who plans and organizes everything with the national office in Washington. D.C. Alfares will assist Bazzi as co-regional coordinator.
"A student idea turned into a regional STEM event!" said Bazzi. "By hosting this event at our College, we are offering many talented high school students an opportunity to participate in high-level academic competitions and to experience a college environment. I believe that this competition will enable HFC to serve as a welcoming hub for academic excellence and STEM exploration.”
Supports mission of STEM education and community engagement
More than 15 instructors from the HFC School of STEM have volunteered as judges, moderators, timekeepers, and scorekeepers. More than 10 student volunteers will serve as runners and assist with registration and logistics. Student Activities will sponsor lunch for the guests.
Dr. Andrew M. Chubb, Dean of the College of Science & Engineering at Saginaw Valley State University, has loaned HFC the specialized equipment required for the Regional Science Bowl, including lockdown buzzer systems. LATA, a leader in building a clean and sustainable future, will sponsor the Regional Science Bowl and will provide more volunteers.
“This support has been instrumental in making the event possible,” said Bazzi. “I want to acknowledge the support I received from HFC Interim President Dr. Lori Gonko, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Nealon, Director of Student Activities Dr. Cassandra Fluker, and Dean of STEM Janice Gilliland.”
He continued: “Hosting the Regional Science Bowl positions our College as a hub for academic excellence and STEM engagement in Michigan. The event will showcase our commitment to STEM education. It will connect potential students with our College environment. It will highlight faculty leadership and our support of student initiatives. It will also strengthen HFC’s partnership with the community. This event will reflect our College’s mission of educational access, academic rigor, and community engagement.”
The Michigan High School Regional Science Bowl is free and open to the HFC community. For questions or more information or to volunteer, contact Bazzi at sbazzi@hfcc.edu.