California's National Geographic Bee Overview of Project for the 28Th

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

California's National Geographic Bee Overview of Project for the 28Th California’s National Geographic Bee Overview of Project For the 28th year, hundreds of top students across California have competed in the State Geographic Bee. This year, for the third year in the row, the California State Geographic Bee was held at Fresno State. On April 1, 2016 more than 100 students gathered to the Satellite Student Union on campus to compete for a chance to represent California at the National Geographic Bee in Washington D.C. The prize these students are vying for is $50,000 in college scholarships, an all exclusive trip for the winner and their family to the Galapagos Island, a lifetime subscription of National Geographic magazine and of course the title of the National Geographic Bee champion. At this years State Geographic Bee the stakes were raised significantly. After the opening statements made by state coordinator Sean Boyd, President Castro announced that he will offer a $10,000 scholarship to the state winner if they choose to enroll at Fresno State. Another improvement was that there was a significant increase in prize money. The winner received $1,000, second place received $750, and third place received $500. WHO: 105 students, ages 10-14, representing California. WHEN / WHERE: California State University, Fresno – Fresno State – Satellite Student Union Link to interactive Fresno State Campus Map: http://www.fresnostate.edu/map/ Here is our schedule, at a glance: 8:00 AM Registration Begins Satellite Student Union (SSU) 8:30 AM Opening Ceremony SSU 9:00 AM Preliminary Round (5 groups of ≈ 20) Selected Rooms near SSU, to be announced 11:00 AM Tie-Breaker Round (if needed) SSU 11:30 AM Final and Championship Rounds SSU 12:30 PM First, Second, and Third Place Winners Congratulated Strategies & Tactics Contacting Media Prior to Event: Leading up to the event, we were presented with the task of contacting all of the newspapers in the qualified students cities sending editors and/or education reporters our email pitch and media advisories that were provided to us by the National Geographic Society. I first drafted the email pitch to be edited by the group then lastly Professor Hays. During this time, I created a newspaper contact database that contained contacts of either editors or education reporters. Having the proper contacts I organized all of the duplicate contacts so that the three of us will not send duplicate emails. I created a separate database which detailed the groups assigned contacts along the names of the qualified students, their grade and the school they attend. If one area had multiple qualified students I created a custom table with the same information; grade, school, name. After finalizing all errors in the email pitch I shared with both Tavia and Abigail providing them with directions and the email pitch script to use when emailing their assigned contacts. Social Media: At our first meeting with Sean at the beginning of the semester, the group evaluated that there was a need for an increase in social media. The presence in social media in the preceding years were close to non existent. With our groups knowledge in social media we felt it necessary for us to improve this. Tavia did the social media content that was sent to University Communications’ Jenny Toste, Tom Uribe and the Assistant at the Department of Geography at Fresno State Mai. The content she created was evergreen and those that received the content were able to copy and paste into their social media posts. The social media content was created to be used on all social media platforms, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Leading up to the event, we saw the opportunity to increase awareness throughout both the Department of Geography as well as the overall campus by creating a promo video for the California National Geographic Bee. Using an iMovie trailer template, I was able to create the promo video with photos of past events and photos of Fresno State. Day Before Event Duties: The Thursday night before the Geographic Bee, Abigail and I went to the meeting Sean held at the Science I building to help with set up and assemble the competitors gift bags which included Halos oranges, pistachios, almonds, and their certificates for making it this far in the competition. We went over the itinerary for the next day of the event as well as assembled promotional materials that included a backdrop for a photo booth, custom grass signs, and other branding materials sent by National Geographic. The day before I created a checklist of materials needed for proper set up for the following day as well as any possible questions my group had regarding the event. The checklist included printing media guidelines to hand out to the attending media and media signs for the table which were provided by Tom Uribe. Finally, I informed my group of the time we should be at the Satellite Student Union to set up. Day of Event Duties: Abigail and I met at the Satellite Student Union at 7 a.m. to set up the media tables. We all met in a classroom in the Science 1 building where all the materials were stored. We set up the grass signs and brought out the photo booth where students and their parents were to take pictures with the National Geographic cut outs. We then put up the media table and set up right next to the registration tables just outside the Satellite Student Union. Erica arrived around 8 a.m. At this time no media was present due to it just being the preliminary rounds. Just before 10 a.m. Tom Uribe arrived in a golf cart with signs marked “Reserved for Media” to put up in the media area in the Satellite Student Union. Around 12 p.m. Valley PBS arrived requesting media guidelines and asked to have an interview with the state coordinator Sean. Soon to follow was The Fresno Bee and ABC 30. Sean seemed like he was running everywhere during the preliminary rounds between classes in the Science building and the Peters building. The three media outlets waited approximately 15-20 minutes for Sean. He gave interviews to all of the attending media in front of the backdrop after his statements before the tie breaking round began. At this time KMPH arrived, where they then requested an interview with Sean. When the final round began all media went to the designated area in the middle of the SSU. The final round lasted longer than expected due to the students not missing a question. Narrowing the top ten finalists to top two took almost an hour. KMPH, The Fresno Bee, and ABC 30 all got the footage they needed from the bee and left. Valley PBS was running a longer story highlighting the whole Geographic Bee the next week so they were able to stay for the finale in which they were able to interview the winner of the Geographic Bee as well as his family. When the bee was over, Tom Uribe and Shallin worked on the press release after the bee all the while me, Abigail, and Erica cleaned up the media table and brought back the chairs into the SSU. Afterwards, Central Valley Today set up an interview after the bee in which Sean appeared instead of the winner since they by that time left home. Amanda Ballesteros , Abby Escobar, Tavia O’Neil MCJ 190: PR Agency Practicum Spring 2016 .
Recommended publications
  • Explorer Academy
    CHILDREN’S BOOKS FALL 2018 & Complete Backlist WE’ RE JUMPING INTO FICTION! National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic’s media and consumer- oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest. National Geographic Partners 1145 17th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036-4688 U.S.A. Get closer to National Geographic Explorers and photographers, and connect with other members around the globe. Join us today at nationalgeographic.com/join The domed ceiling of the lobby at National Geographic’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C., re-creates the starry sky on the night that National Geographic was founded on January 27, 1888. Staff use this spot as a landmark and often say, “Let’s meet ‘under the stars.’” Under the Stars books showcase characters and situations that reflect the work of renowned National Geographic scientists, photographers, and journalists, through fictional stories that are based on their adventures and discoveries. COVER: Illustration by Antonio Javier Caparo. Dear Readers, I am pleased to present our Fall 2018 list.
    [Show full text]
  • Geography Whiz? Prove It
    OMAHA WORLD-HERALD MAIN NEWS SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2014 • 5A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE Geography whiz? Prove it. Ace this quiz. Contestants include an Test your geography knowledge Omaha i fth-grader and How to be as smart an eighth-grader who is home-schooled in Iowa as a grade-schooler Ready to test your geographic One strategy for competitors is to look for knowledge? One hundred competitors clues within the question — in other words, will do just that May 19 to 21 at use common sense. For example, say you’re the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C. asked which country has the largest Muslim The contestants represent population, Indonesia or Mexico. If you have each state, the District of Columbia, the Department of studied maps showing world religions, you will Defense Dependents Schools know the answer immediately. If you haven’t, and U.S. territories. The bee is sponsored by Goo- you might reason that Mexico was settled by gle and uses materials prepared by the National Geographic the Spanish, followers of Christianity, not Islam. Society. Either way, you correctly answer “Indonesia.” The national winner will receive a $50,000 college schol- PREPARATION IS KEY arship, a lifetime membership The National Geographic Society gives these tips to bee in the society and a trip to the competitors: Galápagos Islands. (State win- » ners received $100 and their trip 6 Get an up-to-date world map, atlas and geography to Washington for the national THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reference book. championship.) A children's kabuki theatrical company performs in the country that is the answer to question 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Frequently Asked Questions on NSF Geography Bee Coaching
    Frequently Asked Questions on NSF Geography Bee Coaching National Geographic Bee Competition: 1. What is National Geographic Bee? National Geographic Bee is a competition conducted by National Geographic society every year and it is open for 4th through 8th grade students. There are 4 rounds of National Geographic Bee: School, State and National. First the student participates in the School round (Normally in mid December). School champions will move to State level after qualifying in written test. Only 100 students get invitation to go to State level (normally April first week). The state champion will represent the state they are from at the National level (normally in May 3rd week). The winner of the national geographic bee gets $50,000 as scholarship, second place student gets $25,000 and the third place student gets $10,000. More information about National Geographic Bee competitions can be obtained from http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/ 2. How can my child participate in National Geographic Bee competition? To participate in National Geographic Bee, your child needs to start from the school. Check with your school if they registered with National Geographic Society to conduct the competition. From there he/she needs to advance to State and Nationals. 3. My child's school does not participate in National Geographic Bee, what can be done about it? You can talk to your school, extend all the help/volunteering to conduct the National Geographic Bee Competition. Sometimes, it may not be easy to convince the school management. Many schools don’t like to participate in just one specific competition as only very few kids can participate.
    [Show full text]
  • National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist Press Release
    H. B. WHITEHORNE MIDDLE SCHOOL 600 Bloomfield Avenue Verona, NJ 07044 Telephone: 973­571­6751 Fax: 973­571­6767 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Ms. Yvette McNeal Mr. David Galbierczyk Olmsted House Principal Carnegie House Principal 2016 New Jersey National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Andrew Castillo (New Jersey) National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist by National Geographic Society H.B. Whitehorne Middle School is proud to announce that Andrew Castillo has been named National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist by National Geographic Society. Andrew, an 8th grade student at HBW, will be competing against 102 other semifinalists from New Jersey on Friday, April 1, 2016 at Rutgers University. Andrew also won the annual HBW Spelling Bee, held in our school Auditorium, on February 4, 2016 This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 28th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth­ through eighth­grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took an online qualifying test. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top­scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the state Bees. Each state champion will receive $100, the National Geographic book “The National Parks: An Illustrated History” and a medal, and will journey to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 22­25, 2016. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society.
    [Show full text]
  • Two Middle School Nat Geo Bee Finalists
    Fauquier County Public Schools News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2017 Karen Parkinson, Coordinator of Information Phone (540) 422-7031 [email protected] TWO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STATE BEE SEMIFINALISTS Taylor Middle School student Elizabeth Ott and Warrenton Middle School student Josie Hutt have been notified by the National Geographic Society that they are two of 100 semifinalists in the state eligible to compete in the 2017 Virginia National Geographic State Bee. The contest will be held at Longwood University in Farmville on Friday, March 31. This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, now in its 29th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society has invited 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the State Bees. Taylor’s Talented Teen Elizabeth Ott said she was definitely surprised to qualify for the state- level geography bee and was very matter-of-fact about her preparation for competition at the school- and county-levels. “I looked over the book ‘How to Ace the National Geographic Bee,’ and I also checked out a book on the Middle East because we had not studied that region yet this year.” TMS geography teacher Mark Rankins, who coached the Taylor team, including Elizabeth, to a first-place win in the Fauquier County Middle School Geography Tournament on Feb.
    [Show full text]
  • Userfiles/127/My Files/Local Student Named New Jersey National
    Local Student Named New Jersey National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist by National Geographic Society Student’s Name: Michael Mauro, Jr. Parents’ Names: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mauro School Name: Kittatinny Regional High School Grade Level: Eighth Grade The above-named student has been notified by the National Geographic Society that he is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2018 New Jersey National Geographic State Bee. The contest will be held at Rowan University in Glassboro on Friday, April 6, 2018. This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 30th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the State Bees. To celebrate the 30th annual National Geographic Bee, the cash prize for the top three students in each state has doubled. Each state champion will receive $200, the National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World, 2nd Edition and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship to be held at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 20-23, 2018. Students that come in second place will receive $150 and those that come in third will receive $100. The first- place national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society, including a subscription to National Geographic magazine, and an all-expenses-paid Lindblad expedition to the Galápagos Islands aboard the new National Geographic Endeavour ll.
    [Show full text]
  • Fall 2014 Semester! a Pub
    THE COSS HERALD A SEMI-ANNUAL PUBLICATION PRODUCED BY THE FACULTY OF THE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Issue 2 The COSS Herald A Semi-annual Publication Produced by the Faculty of the College of Social Sciences Welcome back everybody! Fall 2014 NEW ADDITIONS TO THE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES IN THIS ISSUE American University in Washington, DC. Welcome back for the Fall 2014 semester! A Pub. Crawl lot of interesting events happened since our She worked in the Pajaro and Salinas Valleys The latest faculty publications and forthcoming last issue for the College of Social Sciences, for 3 years, documenting the health and work titles. including several new hires, and Fresno experiences of farmworkers, both mestizo and State’s being ranked number 21 in the nation indigenous. She also organized with Central Page 3 in terms of accessibility, affordability, and Coast communities in their campaigns against Research Roundup completion by TIME Magazine. pesticides, especially methyl iodide, and worked in solidarity with rural residents, An overview of faculty research agendas and migrant students', indigenous farmworkers in accomplishments. New Faculty their own advocacy projects, including Page 3 immigrant rights, community gardening, and Last spring produced several successful the founding of a health and wellness program The Rumor Mill at the newly revitalized Springfield Grange. What are people up to? searches for new faculty and staff, resulting in hires for the Departments of After a year of postdoctoral studying between Page 5 Anthropology, Sociology, Criminology, and 2013-2014 with the Social Science Political Science. Environmental Health Research Institute at Paparazzi Northeastern University in Boston, MA, Dvera Pics of what we have been doing.
    [Show full text]
  • 14424 Hon. Kay Granger Hon. Bob Filner
    14424 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 153, Pt. 10 May 25, 2007 Like his family, friends and neighbors, I am ‘‘The school supports Suneil with its Suneil’s last year. Students who place first, very proud of Suneil, and welcome this oppor- ‘Suneil, did you know?’ (program),’’ Assist- second or third cannot compete again. tunity to share news of his success with my ant Principal Margo Twaddle said. Twaddle dispels the notion that Suneil is a f colleagues in the U.S. House of Representa- one-trick pony. He’s been the school spelling tives. bee champ, participated in the Science IN HONOR OF CORPORAL RYAN A. Madam Speaker, I include with this state- Olympiad, been to math camp and played on BISHOP, UNITED STATES ARMY ment two recent articles from the local press a recreational softball team. regarding Suneil Iyer’s success: an article His career goals include becoming a pilot from the Kansas City Star that was published or marine biologist, or—not surprisingly—a HON. KAY GRANGER geographer. He won his first geography bee prior to the national bee, and an article from OF TEXAS today’s Olathe Daily News summarizing the when he was in fourth grade and began draw- ing animals at age three. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES results of that competition. ‘‘As a little guy, he was always interested [From The Kansas City Star, May 18, 2007] in animals, real or fictional,’’ his mother Thursday, May 24, 2007 said. THREE-PEAT NOT ON GEOGRAPHY WHIZ’S MAP: Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise INDIAN TRAIL STUDENT PLACED FOURTH IN Suneil’s father travels extensively and oc- NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE LAST YEAR casionally the family accompanies him, as today to honor the courage of a brave and (By Martha Zirschky) they did on a ‘‘trip of a lifetime’’ to the Ga- dedicated hero of the State of Texas and of lapagos Islands.
    [Show full text]
  • Double Representation for Moraga at the National Geographic Bee State Competition
    LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Double Representation for Moraga at the National Geographic Bee State Competition Published April 22nd, 2015 Double Representation for Moraga at the National Geographic Bee State Competition Submitted by Charlie Gruebele Two Moraga students competed in the 2015 National Geographic Bee State Final Competition March 27 at Fresno State University. Thousands of fourth through eighth graders from over 600 schools competed in National Geographic school bees throughout the state. Each school's Geo Bee champion then took a written test to qualify to be one of the 110 California state finalists. The finalists broke out into groups for preliminary rounds and had to answer eight rounds of questions about geography, cultural geography, and current affairs all over the world. Top students from the preliminary rounds advanced to the tie- breaker round, then 10 moved on to compete in the final round. The state champion then advances to the national competition in Washington, D.C., for Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School sixth- a chance to win $50,000 in scholarships and trip for grader Mason Gruebele at the geography two to the Galapagos Islands. bee state finals. Photo provided Mason Gruebele is a sixth-grade student at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School. He was Donald Rheem Elementary School's School Bee champ two years in a row, and went to the state finals last year. He is proud to have been able to represent JM at the state competition this year. In addition to his love of geography and current affairs, Mason loves playing the piano and French horn, and being a Boy Scout.
    [Show full text]
  • Semifinalist Press Release ______FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Local Student Named Texas National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist by National Geographic Society
    2015 Texas National Geographic State Bee Sponsored by Google and Plum Creek Semifinalist Press Release _______________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Local Student Named Texas National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist by National Geographic Society Student’s Name: Evan Zhao Parents’ Names: Xiadong (Martin) Zhao and Jiali Zhang School Name and Address: Lanier Middle School 2600 Woodhead Houston TX 77098 Grade Level: 6th Evan Zhao has been notified by the National Geographic Society that he is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2015 Texas National Geographic State Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The contest will be held at Pat May Center, 1849 Central Drive in Bedford, Texas on Friday, March 27, 2015. This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 27th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top- scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the state Bees. Each state champion will receive $100, the “National Geographic Atlas of the World, 10th Edition,” a medal, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship to be held at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 11-13, 2015. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society.
    [Show full text]
  • National Geographic Named Two SPS
    ________________________________________________________________________________ National Geographic Society Named Two SPS Students Semi-Finalists in the 2015 Connecticut National Geographic State Bee Alexander Mcleod from Scofield Magnet Middle School and Arjun Anand from Newfield Elementary Move to Next Round FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2015 Stamford, Conn.-- National Geographic Society recently named Alexander Mcleod from Scofield Magnet Middle and Arjun Anand from Newfield Elementary as semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2015 Connecticut National Geographic State Bee, which is sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The contest will be held at Central Connecticut State University on Friday, March 27, 2015. This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 27th year. Students in grades four through eight participated in School Bees throughout the state to determine each school champion. The school champions were then required to take a qualifying test, which was submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and U.S. territories to compete in the state Bees. Each state champion will receive $100, the “National Geographic Atlas of the World, 10th Edition,” a medal, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship. The Championship is scheduled to be held at National Geographic Society headquarters, from May 11 through 13, 2015. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society. According to the Society, the national champion will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galápagos Islands, where he/she will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the islands’ unique wildlife and landscapes.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 New Jersey National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist Press Release ______
    2017 New Jersey National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist Press Release _______________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Local Student Named New Jersey National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist by National Geographic Society Student’s Name: Charles Mann Parents’ Names: Johanna Bernstein, Adrian Mann School Name and Address: Highland Park Middle School – 330 Wayne St., Highland Park Grade Level: 8 The above-named student has been notified by the National Geographic Society that he is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2017 New Jersey National Geographic State Bee. The contest will be held at Rowan University on Friday, March 31, 2017. This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 29th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the State Bees. Each state champion will receive $100, the National Geographic Concise Atlas of the World, 4th Edition and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship to be held at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 14-17, 2017. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society, including a subscription to National Geographic magazine, and an all expenses paid Lindblad expedition to the Galápagos Islands aboard the new National Geographic Endeavour ll.
    [Show full text]