Poudre School District students are always working hard to flex their mental muscles, and that was on display last month when Fossil Ridge High School students won the regional 2026 National Science Bowl. This is the fifth time in six years that the Fossil Ridge team has taken home the regional championship.
The U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Middle and high school student teams face off in a fast-paced, question-and-answer format, being tested on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math.
“For 36 years, the National Science Bowl has challenged students to think boldly, collaborate under pressure, and push the boundaries of their scientific knowledge,” said Harriet Kung, Deputy Director for Science Programs for the Department of Energy. “Congratulations to the Fossil Ridge High School team on advancing to the National Finals! This achievement reflects your hard work, dedication and talent and I wish you continued success as you advance to compete for the national title.”
The Fossil Ridge team competed against other teams from across the state in mid-March in Denver, and won the regional title after defeating more than 20 other Colorado high school teams.
Coach Brian Riedel said both Fossil Ridge teams competed well, with the second team making the top eight and the first team winning it all. This included beating Cherry Creek in the finals and last year’s champions, Stargate Academy, in the semifinals.
“Most of these students have been competing since middle school and there was a feeling of relief that we won again,” Riedel said. “ There was also a feeling of their hard work paying off. These kids do a lot of studying on their own and are very self-motivated to do well.”
The Fossil Ridge team will now join 68 high school teams from across the country to compete in the National Finals in Washington, D.C., from April 30 to May 4. Schools that place in the top 16 will win $1,000 and the top two teams will win $5,000 for their schools’ math and science departments.
“I’m so proud of the hard work our students put in to be the best at what they are passionate about, and this Fossil Ridge team is a perfect example of that,” said Superintendent Brian Kingsley. “This is an outstanding accomplishment and I am confident the team will continue to show off their brilliance at the national level later this month!”