Weekly roundup: University High sails to third victory at NASA’s Ocean Sciences Bowl, Laguna Beach launches AI tool for classrooms, and more

Madeline Gray April 4, 2025

University High School students won their third consecutive title at the Southern California Ocean Science Bowl hosted at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (Irvine Unified School District) — University High School students won their third title at the Southern California Ocean Sciences Bowl hosted at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (Irvine Unified School District)

From oceanography to maritime history, a team of University High School students dove deep into studying marine sciences before surfacing as top competitors at the annual Ocean Sciences Bowl at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on March 29.

The Irvine Unified School District team of five secured the third consecutive winning title for their school, going buzzer-for-buzzer against eight Southern California high school teams in the regional competition.

Scholars answered a series of multiple-choice questions individually and in teams in an energetic “Jeopardy!”-style format. With just five seconds on the clock for each question, the University team — made up of captain and junior Angelina Yan, juniors Matthew Feng and Nethra Iyer, sophomore Avery Hexun and freshman Joanne Chen — went undefeated across eight ocean-related categories.

David Knight, University High School science department chair and coach, attributed the students’ success to the hard work they’ve put in through each hours-long practice.

“Week after week, they committed themselves to study, practice and strengthen their teamwork,” Knight said in a statement from Irvine Unified. “I am very proud of their continued success and love how much fun they have competing and learning these subjects.”

The National Ocean Sciences Bowl will take place virtually in May, when University High will compete against nearly 20 other regional high school winners from Alaska to Maine.

Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:

As part of its efforts to promote responsible integration of artificial intelligence, the Laguna Beach Unified School District has launched a new Google Chrome extension to help teachers and students set a clear framework for using AI in the classroom.

Inside the Outdoors program naturalists lead group activities with students. (Courtesy of Inside the Outdoors)

Starting in June, OCDE’s Inside the Outdoors program will guide a whole new group of happy campers ages 6 to 12 through engaging skits, games and activities during its annual summer day camp at the Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach.

On April 24, local school districts will showcase their civic engagement efforts and students will be recognized for completing OCDE’s Civic Learning Pathway at the annual OC Civic Learning Celebration.

Through May 2, the public is invited to review and provide feedback on a newly developed ethnic studies course outline designed by OCDE primarily for students in the department’s alternative education programs.

The City of Laguna Beach recently passed an ordinance to promote safer e-bike and e-scooter use among students, with plans to hold trainings at schools in the area.

Elementary school students at TLC Public Charter School crafted three-dimensional projects to convey their understanding of academic content at the campus’s Diorama Showcase Day.

Oxford Academy students from the Anaheim Union High School District recently tested their knowledge of native tree species, competing in the 2024 San Bernardino Forestry Challenge for Southern California high schoolers.

Sensors that can detect smoking or vaping will soon be installed at two high schools in the Anaheim Union High School District in an effort to prevent students from using banned products on campus.

A group of 23 students can now deliver patient care across various healthcare settings after graduating from a 13-month licensed vocational nurse program offered by the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program.

Peer educators from Vanguard University are visiting Orange County high school classrooms to increase awareness of human trafficking and prevention as part of a new program piloted by the school’s Global Center for Women and Justice.

The U.S. Department of Education recently notified K-12 schools nationwide to sign and return a certification of their adherence to federal civil rights laws, including those related to the use of diversity, equity and inclusion practices, according to the Associated Press.

EdSource reported that the Department of Health and Human Services recently requested to review California’s curriculum and program materials on sexual health education.

Newport Harbor High School student Natalie McCarty recently added two more titles to her resume, winning both the 100- and 300-meter hurdles at the Orange County track and field championships.

Thanks to its new pilot program launched last year, the California State University system will automatically admit roughly 12,000 Riverside County high school seniors in good academic standing to one of its 10 campuses statewide.

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