The rules of the College of Science’s Science Trivia Night were simple: no cell phones, no computers, only the basic knowledge each team member had on various scientific disciplines — math, chemistry, biology, physics and astronomy, as well as the college and its professors.
The first trivia night of the year was held at the Green Pig Pub.
“It’s our kick off event,” said development officer Collin Barrett. “[The Green Pig] has easy access for everyone with Trax”.
Despite a slightly decreased turnout due to the new location, Barrett said in 2012 the event had 22 teams with over 100 total participants when the tournament was held at Fiddler’s Elbow. This is the third year that the College of Science has put on this event. However, the venue was changed to accommodate Tuesday night sports games.
Students, alumni and community science buffs participated in the event, which consisted of four rounds with 10 questions per round. Scores were tallied up at the end of the night and prizes, such as T-shirts, mugs and other College of Science swag were given to the top three teams, which consisted of four to five people per team.
Contestants were given one minute to answer questions such as, “Which insect has the most painful sting?” and, “What star is next closest to the earth after the sun?”
Barrett said teams needed to plan for the diversity of areas the question covered.
“Get a mix of disciplines, a well-rounded team,” he said.
After each round each team’s ballot was collected. Graders at the front of the bar then looked over the answers and tallied them up. While the scores were being counted, the answers were announced to the teams and the crowd.
Because the event was held at the Green Pig, attendees needed to be at least 21 years old. Barrett said the age requirement made the event was popular with grad students and alumni.
“It gets outside people, science buffs from the community, to participate,” said Paige Berg, an events coordinator for the College.