Houston
County’s eight middle schools competed in the district academic bowl on Dec 5. The
four top teams were Bonaire, Feagin Mill, Mossy Creek and Thomson. These teams
will next compete in the regional Professional Association of Georgia Educators
(PAGE) Academic Bowl for Middle Grades on Jan. 12 at Feagin Mill Middle School.
Students fielded questions on subjects ranging from history to mathematics,
science, literature and the performing arts. The questions are developed by
using factual information and Georgia curriculum. Students answer toss-up and
bonus questions to score points. Sample questions from the competition included
the following.
1. Social studies: His Scottish terrier, Fala, was once considered “the most
photographed dog in the world.” Name this 20th-century U.S. President who, in
his first acceptance speech, said, “I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal
for the American people.”
2. Science: Some of its nine major species are named after African countries
like Nigeria and Uganda, while others include the Nubian and the reticulated.
It mostly eats acacia leaves that other herbivores are too short to reach.
Identify this popular mammal, known for its height that is created by its very
long neck.
3. Language Arts: Two of them are used to separate an appositive from the rest
of a sentence, while only one is needed to separate an independent clause from
a dependent clause. Name this mark of written punctuation that separates a city
from its state and separates items within a list.
4. Math: Its volume is one-third that of a right circular cylinder with the
same base. Like a pyramid, this figure can be partially defined by its “slant
height.” The formula for its surface area involves that slant height, as well
as π and the radius of its circular base. Name this geometric solid that, when
drawn on paper, looks a little bit like a triangle.
5. Fine Arts: Its steps include encouragement, repetition, and listening — but
surprisingly do not include learning to read music – at least, at first.
Identify this method for learning the flute, the piano and all major stringed
instruments that is named for the man who owned Japan’s largest violin factory.
Jan Jacobsen, director of gifted education, said that academic bowl
competitions promote academic excellence and good citizenship. Preparing for
and participating in the competition broadens students’ horizons and increases
factual information. Jacobsen commented, “Thanks and appreciation go to
the dedicated coaches, parents, administrators, readers and timekeepers for
their commitment to our students and their learning. We look forward to the
PAGE regional competition in January.”
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