Academic teams at Chaska High School offer students the opportunity to explore and develop their passion for learning and knowledge. The teams compete against others from our region, state and even the national level.
The three formats- Quiz Bowl, Knowledge Bowl and Science Bowl – each require participants to give answers to questions either as a team or individually under time limits. Some competitions require completion of preliminary written tests that determine initial team matchups.
Depending on the format, hitting a buzzer and providing a correct answer quickly can lead to more questions with a little more time to answer, and the opportunity to score more points.
In addition to individual study time focusing on topics of arts, literature, mathematics, science and history, students are also required to attend after-school practice and competitive sessions with weekend travel to invitational tournaments.
High levels of adrenaline, laser-tight focus and teamwork are essential attributes required by these competitions that can last for several hours. Of course, support from friends, classmates and family provides glue that helps the scholars keep stable in stressful moments.
At competitions, Coaches and volunteers act as the “Alex Trebek” (former Jeopardy host) asking questions while unbiased individuals evaluate the answers, timing and processes.
Team members are organized so talents that span a large breadth and depth of knowledge. For example, Chaska’s Quiz Bowl group has six or more teams with four members each. Like other types of skill challenges, teams receive competitive rankings based on their results and can advance to higher levels of play as the season nears its end.
Many colleges and universities have similar teams and competitions, so the academic team members are often able to continue their pursuit of knowledge after high school graduation.
Academic teams are building life skills one question at a time. The self-confidence required to be in the spotlight to answer difficult questions is a trait that cannot be taught. Spending hours delving into topics that aren’t included in the school’s curriculum builds on a commitment to excel at something and the perseverance to do this throughout the year is a characteristic that prepares students to take advantage of opportunities when they arrive.
The Minnesota State Knowledge Bowl competition was held in Brainerd April 10 and 11. The Chaska team placed fifth. Other schools in Carver County have similar teams but did not compete in this match.
Chaska’s academic team coaches are Kate Kramer, Chris Lenius and Gretchen Oppriecht. Special thanks to English teacher and academic coach Gretchen Oppriecht for the photo and student Austin Henderson for providing content for this article.
