science

Ready to learn and have fun – Lowell Sun


By Alana Melanson

amelanson@lowellsun.comamelanson@lowellsun.com

CHELMSFORD — After the Parker and McCarthy team soared to the top to take the Knowledge Bowl trophy in its 2017 inaugural foray in the regional competition, the pressure was on last year for a repeat performance.

The 2018 team put in a valiant effort, coming in second to Tyngsboro.

This year’s team is taking a more laid-back approach, focusing on having fun and learning new information while it prepares for the upcoming showdown between the region’s best and brightest middle school students.

“I thought it would be really fun, and just basically, in general be able to test my knowledge as a person,” said Avaneesh Mallela, 14. “Out of the competition, I hope to try to get first, or at least try to learn something out of this whole experience.”

Divya Sambasivan, 14, said she’s taking it as a personal challenge to get smarter in the different subjects.

Rishi Ajmera, 13, said he wants “to become smarter and learn more about the world itself.”

The two-day tournament, which tests students’ knowledge in math, science, literature and current events, will be held May 20 and 21 at Tyngsboro High School.

Returning team members Jonathan Domow, 14, and Rishi Madivada, 13, said they enjoyed last year’s competition and are hoping they can bring the trophy back to Chelmsford.

“This year, I want to try to go all the way and win it,” Jonathan said.

They haven’t had as much time to practice this year as last, but don’t make the mistake of underestimating this team — Chelmsford has shown in the past that it can come in and dominate despite being short on preparation.

This group is strong in math and science, with most of its members considering the subjects to be core strengths. History is also a common interest among several teammates, but most could use a little more practice in English language arts.

When the team needs help with obscure factoids, they’ll be looking to Hannah Wolman, 13.

“I love being able to pick up little bits of information that maybe everybody else wouldn’t think is important,” she said.

Some members cautioned against over-studying for the event, at the risk of trying to cram too much knowledge into their heads and forgetting what they already know in the process.

They just started practicing with the buzzers, which does add some pressure.

“I think it’s going to be really fun, especially with the adrenaline on stage,” said Ani Gopalan, 14.

Parker social studies teacher Ashley Jean, one of four coaches for the team, said they’ve been focusing on content and getting the students prepared for the competition so they feel comfortable on stage.

“We have a great group of kids who we have a lot of confidence in,” she said.

“I’d like to see them just try their best, answer what they can answer and just have fun with it,” said McCarthy technology engineering teacher Pam O’Meara.

Follow Alana Melanson @AlanaMelanson on Twitter

CHELMSFORD — After the Parker and McCarthy middle schools team soared to the top to take the Knowledge Bowl trophy in its 2017 inaugural foray in the regional competition, the pressure was on last year for a repeat performance.

The 2018 team put in a valiant effort, coming in second to Tyngsboro.

This year’s team is taking a more laid-back approach, focusing on having fun and learning new information while it prepares for the upcoming showdown between the region’s best and brightest middle school students.

“I thought it would be really fun, and just basically, in general be able to test my knowledge as a person,” said Avaneesh Mallela, 14. “Out of the competition, I hope to try to get first, or at least try to learn something out of this whole experience.”

Divya Sambasivan, 14, said she’s taking it as a personal challenge to get smarter in the different subjects.

Rishi Ajmera, 13, said he wants “to become smarter and learn more about the world itself.”

The two-day tournament, which tests students’ knowledge in math, science, literature and current events, will be held May 20 and 21 at Tyngsboro High School.

Returning team members Jonathan Domow, 14, and Rishi Madivada, 13, said they enjoyed last year’s competition and are hoping they can bring the trophy back to Chelmsford.

“This year, I want to try to go all the way and win it,” Jonathan said.

They haven’t had as much time to practice this year as last, but don’t make the mistake of underestimating this team — Chelmsford has shown in the past that it can come in and dominate despite being short on preparation.

This group is strong in math and science, with most of its members considering the subjects to be core strengths. History is also a common interest among several teammates, but most could use a little more practice in English language arts.

When the team needs help with obscure factoids, they’ll be looking to Hannah Wolman, 13.

“I love being able to pick up little bits of information that maybe everybody else wouldn’t think is important,” she said.

Some members cautioned against studying too much for the event, at the risk of trying to cram too much knowledge into their heads and forgetting what they already know in the process.

They just started practicing with the buzzers, which does add some pressure.

“I think it’s going to be really fun, especially with the adrenaline on stage,” said Ani Gopalan, 14.

Parker social studies teacher Ashley Jean, one of four coaches for the team, said they’ve been focusing on content and getting the students prepared for the competition so they feel comfortable on stage.

“We have a great group of kids who we have a lot of confidence in,” she said.

“I’d like to see them just try their best, answer what they can answer and just have fun with it,” said McCarthy technology engineering teacher Pam O’Meara.

Follow Alana Melanson @AlanaMelanson on Twitter.



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