Voyagers Homeschool Coop to Host Merrimack Valley National Geographic Bee

• The port of Rotterdam is built on the delta of which major European river?
• Which Canadian province produces more than half of the country's manufactured goods?
• Which state has a climate suitable for growing citrus fruits—California or Maine?

These are just a few of the sample questions homeschooled students in 4th through 8th grades from the Merrimack Valley could be answering if they participate in the National Geographic Geography Bee to be held at Voyagers. Voyagers has been named the National Geographic Bee’s host site for homeschoolers in the greater Merrimack Valley.

According to the National Geographic Bee’s website, “Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. Schools with students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic knowledge.”

In keeping with the Geo Bee rules, the Bee will be held in early December with a specific date to be determined. Along with the Geography Bee, the Resource Center will be hosting Geography Bee Prep days from 10 am - 12 pm:

• September 24
• October 22
• November 19

The prep sessions will provide participants to participate in mock bees, play geography games and participate in other activities in order to prepare for the bee and learn more about world geography. The Geo Bee and Prep Days are open to all homeschoolers living in the region and Voyagers members regardless of town of residence.

There is a required $15 fee for participation in the Bee. This fee is required of all participants. The cost for Prep Days is free for Voyagers members and $20 for all three or $8 each session for nonmembers. For more information about the Bee, please contact voyagersresourcecenter@voyagersinc.org

-- RhondaHamer - 16 Sep 2010