| When preparing for a geography bee, students must | | | | Places and Regions |
| extend their studies beyond map locations and into | | | | 3. Physical Systems |
| relationships or how one area influences another. | | | | Physical Processes That Shape the Patterns of |
| Study Aids for Geography Bee Preparation | | | | Earth's Surface |
| Maps | | | | Characteristics and Spatial Distribution of Ecosystems |
| The first tool students need is an up to date world | | | | 4. Human Systems |
| map that clearly defines country borders and includes | | | | Characteristics, Distribution and Migration of Human |
| physical features such as mountain ranges, deserts | | | | Populations |
| and other major land features like the Canadian | | | | Characteristics, Distribution and Complexity of Earth's |
| Shield. It is helpful if the map is portable, so for | | | | Cultures |
| example, if the student sees something on the news | | | | Patterns and Networks of Economic Interdependence |
| or in a movie, they can quickly grab their map and | | | | on Earth's Surface |
| locate the area that is referenced. It is also fun to | | | | Processes, Patterns and Functions of Human |
| have some historic maps to compare to modern | | | | Settlement |
| maps, to see where ancient civilizations were located | | | | 5. Environment and Society |
| in relation to modern cities. | | | | How Human Actions Modify the Physical Environment |
| Current Events Source of Information | | | | How Physical Systems Affect Human Systems |
| The geography bee will include questions related to | | | | Changes That Occur in the Meaning, Use, Distribution |
| current events. Therefore, the student needs access | | | | and Importance of Resources |
| to a world news source. This could include such | | | | As one can quickly see, these standards encompass |
| sources as BBC News Front Page, (see World link), or | | | | many areas, well beyond location. Nearly every school |
| The World News Connection. Whenever a location is | | | | subject, whether social studies or biology, includes |
| referenced, it should be located on a map and the | | | | geography related concepts. In fact, geography |
| student ought to also consider surrounding areas or | | | | incorporates so many areas that it is almost |
| political associations that could be affected by the | | | | impossible to study or memorize everything. |
| latest developments. | | | | Therefore, kids should strive to succeed in all of their |
| Geography Reference Materials | | | | course work especially social studies, government, |
| This could include an up to date textbook that | | | | history and earth science to be successful in |
| includes definitions of geography related terms. | | | | geography. The goal is to begin to understand how all |
| Sources should include statistical data such as | | | | of these relationships are related. For example how |
| population figures including distribution and densities. | | | | an environmental change affected migration patterns, |
| National Geographic 3D Globe is a good software | | | | economics and resources, population distribution or |
| choice for older students that need quick information | | | | political influence. |
| on world religions, health, education or other | | | | If the student is planning to compete in the National |
| comparative data. | | | | Geographic sponsored bee, it is a good idea if they |
| National Geography Standards | | | | regularly visit their website and read the "Kids News" |
| These standards, established in 1994 to guide | | | | and their "Bee Resources" pages. |
| geography course work in the schools, include five | | | | In Summary |
| major areas and eighteen sub divisions. All major | | | | Geography bees may include many geography |
| areas of these standards will be addressed during the | | | | related subject areas. To succeed, students must |
| bee. In brief, these standards require an | | | | make their map their constant companion as they |
| understanding of the following: | | | | study current events, world history, social studies and |
| 1. The World in Spatial Terms | | | | earth science. In addition, once they have mastered |
| Knowing how to use maps | | | | their maps they should be able to analyze and |
| The ability to organize people, places and | | | | organize statistical data into spatial relationships. |
| environments into spatial terms | | | | Lastly, successful geography students are able to |
| The ability to analyze the spatial organization of | | | | see the entire modern and ancient world and its |
| people, places and environments | | | | populations in spatial relationships and begin to see |
| 2. Places and Regions | | | | the interconnectivity of events. |
| Physical and Human Characteristics of Places | | | | Resources |
| That People Create Regions to Interpret Earth's | | | | British Broadcasting Corporation, (n.d.). News Front |
| Complexity | | | | Page. BBC News Web site: |
| How Culture and Experience Influence Perceptions of | | | | National Geographic, (n.d.). Geography standards. |