Houston County’s middle school quiz bowl Final 4

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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