Students from the Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut recently competed in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl championship in Washington, D.C., placing eighth out of 24 teams from around the country.

Their trip came after their win at the Quahog Bowl at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point in February.

Under coach Charles Mulligan, students Derek Raymond, Alex Matthews, Christopher Bowens, Aidan Desjardins, and Michael Reilly answered cross-disciplinary ocean science questions, with this year’s competition theme of “Observe the Ocean, Secure the Future.”

In the Science Expert Briefing section, the team also presented recommendations on a piece of legislation in a mock congressional hearing. The rest of the week was filled with hands-on science-themed field trips to the NOAA National Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, and more.

For more information about the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, visit nosb.org.