Western Pennsylvania Science Bowl to Ignite STEM Passion in Students
The 2026 Western Pennsylvania Science Bowl (WPASB) is set to challenge students across 36 schools in a rigorous academic competition, fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The middle school competition will be held on February 27, followed by the high school tournament on February 28, both at the Community College of Allegheny County South Campus in West Mifflin.
A Legacy of STEM Competition
Now in its 35th year, the WPASB provides a dynamic platform for students to test their knowledge in a fast-paced, quiz bowl-style format. The competition covers a broad spectrum of STEM disciplines, including biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, energy, mathematics, and physics, through multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers
The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory, plays a crucial role in organizing and supporting the WPASB. Adam Lott, NETL’s regional coordinator for the contests, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “At NETL, we believe this contest inspires students to grow 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.” NETL is dedicated to innovating and accelerating the nation’s energy solutions.
“Science: The Power Behind the Magic”
This year’s competition theme, “Science: The Power Behind the Magic,” highlights how STEM fields unlock discoveries that were once considered impossible. The theme aims to inspire students by demonstrating the transformative power of scientific inquiry and technological innovation.
Path to the National Science Bowl
The winning teams from both the middle school and high school divisions will advance to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl, scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 4. The National Science Bowl is a prestigious academic competition that brings together top STEM students from across the country.
Participating Schools
Middle Schools
- 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
- Winchester Thurston School (Pittsburgh)
High Schools
- 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
- Winchester Thurston
Recent NETL Activities
Prior to the WPASB, NETL successfully conducted the West Virginia Science Bowl on February 6-7 at West Virginia University in Morgantown, further demonstrating its commitment to STEM education in the region. West Virginia Science Bowl
About NETL
NETL operates research sites in Albany, Oregon. Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, functioning as a single laboratory focused on creating advanced energy technologies. Its mission is to support the DOE’s goals of providing affordable, reliable, and secure energy to drive human progress.