GMS Scholars Bowl
Scholars bowl is a game in which two teams compete head-to-head to answer questions from all areas of knowledge, including but not limited to history, literature, science, fine arts, current events, sports, and popular culture. The defining feature of quiz bowl is the use of a “buzzer system” (or, more formally, a “lockout device”) that lets players interrupt the reading of a question when they know the answer. That element adds a dimension of confidence, anticipation, and rapid recall to what is primarily a game about knowing facts. Those “tossup” questions are answered individually, but doing so earns one’s team a chance at a multipart “bonus” question. Bonus questions are worth more points and allow collaboration but are generally more difficult.
Students compete at fall matches with local area middle schools, including Emma Sansom, Rainbow Middle, Westbrook, and Glencoe Middle along with various invitational matches around the state. The Gadsden Middle School scholars bowl team has a long record (10 years and counting!) of qualifying for the annual ASCA (Alabama Scholastic Competition Association) state tournament by winning a tournament or the district tournament.
The team qualified for and attended the NAQT (National Academic Quiz Tournaments) Middle School National Championship Tournament (MSNCT) in Dallas in 2015 and 2017, Atlanta in 2016 and 2014, and Chicago in 2012. We hope to attend nationals in Chicago in 2023, as well! The NAQT MSNCT hosts the top 160 teams in the nation.
To learn more about scholars’ bowls, please visit ASCA’s website.
Coach
- Dr. Bliss
