The National Geographic Bee tests students on both natural and man-made features.
Every year, students across the United States in grades 4 through 8 compete in their school's geography bees. These competitions test the student's knowledge of natural features, national borders, cities and regions, ecosystems, cultures, wildlife and man-made landmarks. The winner's of these local bees then take a written exam; the top 100 scorers compete in the state-level geography bee, and the winners of that competition proceed to compete in the National Geographic Bee. Here, the finalists compete for college scholarships and other prizes. The National Geographic Society provides the questions for all levels of this competition.
Instructions
1. Master the symbols used on a map key to mark geographic features. Make sure to memorize the map notation used for both natural features, such as elevations and man-made features such as railroads, airports and highways. Do not neglect to study underwater features of the oceans, such as coral reefs and the major oceanic depth divisions.
2. Study the wildlife and plant life that lives and grows in each region and each country. Create and then study flashcards that contain a region, country or geographical feature, such as a specific lake or jungle on one side and a list of the major flora and fauna on the other side.
3. Learn the geographical and natural features of each region, state, country and major city worldwide by studying the maps in your world atlas. Quiz yourself by trying to recreate the features you have learned on the blank world maps. Include features such as mountain ranges, bodies of water, ports, capitals, major population centers, local flora and fauna, local crops and other geographical features.
4. Learn the culture of each geographic region, country and major city by studying a geography reference book, such as "World Almanac and Book of Facts" or the "CIA World Factbook." Focus upon learning the history, traditions, economy, currency, religions, political systems and language of each geographic area.
5. Take the daily quiz posted each day on the National Geographic Society's website. Each daily installment will deepen your understanding of the types of questions asked and the type of thinking about geography required to succeed in the National Geographic Bee.
6. Watch the evening world news or read an international newspaper each day, such as the International Herald Tribune. The National Geographic Bee often couches its questions in recent events. After you read each article or watch each news story, write down a list of local geographic and cultural features that relate to the news item.
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