Registration is now open for the annual Mississippi Regional Middle School Science Bowl, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Mississippi School for Math and Science in Columbus.

Designed to encourage middle school students to excel in mathematics, science and engineering, the event serves as a preliminary competition for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl for middle school students scheduled for April 26-30 in Washington, D.C.

The 2012 Regional Science Bowl features an academic-type question-and-answer competition and is open to Mississippi public and private school students from grades 6 through 8. Teams are comprised of four students, plus an alternate student and coach. The winning team receives a paid trip to compete in the National Science Bowl.

The deadline to register is Jan. 31. For additional information, contact Gayle Sims at (601) 359-6600.

For rules and guidelines, visit the National Middle School Science Bowl at www.science.energy.gov/nsb/middle-school.