Gunston Middle School and the National Geographic Society proudly announce a school-wide competition this January. "Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography." January 12
| Geography Bee in Library, beginning with 4th period.
Thanks to Ms. Taylor, Ms. Burgos, Ms. Macekura, Mr. Roberts and Ms. Rodriguez for their parts in supporting the Geography Bee. Congratulations to our two finalists, both from Gunston's Montessori Program
- Hannah R- H., 8th Grade
2012 Gunston Middle School Geography Champion
Hannah H. who has now qualified for the State level Geography Bee to be held in Winchester, Virginia on March 30, 2012. She had a very high score on the 200 question qualifying test written by National Geography Bee. - Isaac G., 7th Grade, First Runner Up
Top Ten Finalists Joseph H., 6th Grade Azalea J. , 6th Grade
Isaac G., 7th Grade Jonathan T., 7th Grade Sally A., 8th Grade
Carlos G., 8th Grade
D'Mitre P., 8th Grade
Andrew R., 8th Grade
Hannah R.-H., 8th Grade Amelia W., 8th Grade | | January 16-18 | The winner of the school level competition will take the Qualifying Test. · This will be submitted to National Geographic for scoring. | | Early March | - School is notified by mail if the school Bee winner qualified to represent his or her school at the state level.
- HannahR. H. who has now qualified for the State level Geography Bee to be held in Winchester, Virginia on March 30, 2012. She had a very high score on the 200 question qualifying test written by National Geography Bee.
- The top 100 students (selected based on qualifying test scores) qualify to represent their schools and compete at the state level.
| | Late March or Early April | - State qualifiers compete in an oral competition at the state level.
| Late May
| - State winners are invited to National Geographic headquarters to compete in the national finals for scholarships in the amount of U.S. $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000.
| Here are some sample questions from the National Geographic Bee, along with ideas about how to look for clues within the questions that can help you figure out the right answers. - Which state has a climate suitable for growing citrus fruits—California or Maine?
You know that oranges and grapefruit are citrus fruits and that they grow in warm places. Since California's climate is definitely warmer and sunnier than Maine's, you correctly answer California.
- Which country has the world's largest Muslim population—Indonesia or Mexico?
If you have studied maps showing world religions, you will know the answer immediately. If you haven't, you might reason that Mexico was settled by the Spanish, followers of Christianity not Islam. Either way, you correctly answer Indonesia.
- The North Atlantic current brings warm waters from the tropics to the west coast of which continent?
From studying physical maps you know that the North Atlantic is the area of the Atlantic that lies north of the Equator and that the entire west coast of Europe borders the North Atlantic, so you correctly answer Europe.
- What is the term for a part of an ocean or sea that cuts far into the bordering landmass and may contain one or more bays?
From studying physical features on maps and using your geographical reference book to learn about physical features, you narrow your choices to two terms: bay and gulf. Since the word "bay" is used in the question, you eliminate it as a possibility and correctly answer gulf.
- Which Canadian province produces more than half of the country's manufactured goods?
Even if you haven't studied profiles of Canadian provinces, you know from your mental maps that Ontario borders all of the Great Lakes and has access to the St. Lawrence Seaway. This puts it in a better position than any other Canadian province to import materials needed for manufacturing and to export finished goods. So you correctly answer Ontario.
- To visit the ruins of Persepolis, an ancient ceremonial capital of Persia, you would have to travel to what present-day country?
From history books or from studying country profiles, you know that Persia is the former name of Iran, so you correctly answer Iran.
Please contact Ms. Taylor (Sara.Taylor@apsva.us) or Ms. Burgos (Elizabeth.Burgos@apsva.us) with any questions regarding the school Bee. Study materials, practice questions, and more information can be found on National Geographic’s website.
Questions or feedback? Email: elena.rodriguez@apsva.us
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