Nature Bowl is an annual science based educational program for 3rd – 6th graders that increases ecological knowledge and conservation literacy. In team settings, students eagerly learn about the environment while building teamwork skills and sharpening their creative and critical thinking abilities. The program curriculum corresponds with California’s “Next Generation” Science Standards, which makes it a popular event for teachers and educators. Nature Bowl, currently in its 32nd year, is coordinated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and partner organizations.
This engaging event introduces students to environmental issues, reinforces key concepts, increases critical thinking skills, and encourages student involvement in community conservation efforts. The competitive aspect of the event is de-emphasized so all students feel comfortable, achieve success in learning, and enjoy the activities. Each school that participates can have teams of three to seven students in two divisions: 3rd-4th and 5th-6th grades.
Each half-day session stresses teamwork, creativity and critical thinking. Students take part in activities such as Nature Investigations, Nature Relay, Team Problems, Bell-Ringers, Enviro-mercials and Nature Games. Coaches can be parents or teachers. Workshop sessions are generally scheduled in December and January of each year. Semi-finals events are conducted in the spring with the final competition being held at California State University Sacramento in the late spring.
For additional information and registration materials please visit the Nature Bowl website or contact Corky Quirk, at (530) 902-1918.
The Nature Bowl Program is sponsored by:
- American River Conservancy with American River Natural History Association
- Camp Pollack with Sacramento Audubon
- Nimbus Hatchery Visitor Center – CA Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge with Friends of Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
- Placer Nature Center
- CSU Sacramento-Biology Department
- Southridge Estates with Sutter County Resource Conservation District
- New Melones Lake and Visitor Center with Tuolumne County Office of Education – CREEC
- Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area with Yolo Basin Foundation
Thanks to generous funding from the following in 2017:
- The Wildlife Society – Sacramento Shasta Chapter
- American Fisheries Society – California/Nevada Chapter
- Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration – USFWS
- Stormwater Quality Program – County of Sacramento
