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After hundreds of hours of preparation by Greenbelt and Yorktown elementary schools for Tuesday's Science Bowl quarterfinal elimination rounds, it was over in the blink of an eye, just like one of the questions asked during the competition.

Greenbelt Elementary lost to Bowie's Yorktown Elementary 220-245 in the Science Bowl quarterfinal elimination round.

The Science Bowl, hosted by Dave Zahren, is a televised quiz bowl for Prince George's County public elementary and middle school students. Set up like the television show, "Jeopardy!", students compete in two teams of three to test their science knowledge, from current science news to planetary facts and medical conditions.

Yorktown Elementary advanced to compete against Lanham's Magnolia Elementary, but lost 155-270.

During the competition between Greenbelt and Yorktown elementaries, Yorktown's team answered Zahren's question correctly about what is the hardest mineral, also the subject of a recent movie: diamonds (referring to "Blood Diamond").

Greenbelt Elementary's Science Bowl coach, Vanessa Zanin, said the team met once a week for one hour since September, studying science textbooks, practicing quizzing and using buzzers.

The Greenbelt team, made up of sixth-graders Daniel Soe and Linda Kuo and fifth-grader Alexis Leinemann, who were all competing for the first time, went into the competition saying they were three-quarters nervous, one-quarter confident.

Zanin said despite her team's loss, she is very proud.

Greenbelt's team member Daniel said he was confident going into the competition.

"We did pretty good," he said.

Yorktown Elementary's coach, parent Yana Stillson, also said the team has practiced for one hour a week since September.

"It's all about learning and being excited about science. They've enjoyed the team activity," she said. "I'm just proud."

The team, made up of fifth-graders Angela Young, Victor Bauman, Ben Stillson and alternates Nancy Vu and Alina Tann, went into the competition with sheer excitement, the members said.

Angela said some of the questions were hard and believes her team was at a disadvantage because none of the members are in sixth grade.

"I want to make Yorktown proud," she said before the competition.

Tuesday's bowl airs Jan. 4 to 10 on Comcast Cable Channel 96 and Verizon Channel 38.

Magnolia will compete Feb. 9 against Accokeek's Henry G. Ferguson Elementary. The game will air April 6 to 11 on Comcast Cable Channel 96 and Verizon Channel 38.