ST. LOUIS PARK — Some 160 high school math and science students from across the state will be competing Jan. 20 in a regional Science Bowl in St. Paul.

They’ll be vying for the chance to represent Minnesota in the national competition in Washington, D.C. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Students compete in teams of five to solve technical problems and to answer questions in all branches of math and science, including astronomy, biology, computer science and physics. The tournament is conducted in a fast-paced question-and-answer format.

The regional tournament will be Jan. 20 at Macalester College in St. Paul. Entrants come from 20 different schools across the state.

The Science Bowl is designed to encourage students to pursue an education and career in science.