NJ Finalist | National Geographic Bee 2013

TL;DR

An 8th grader shares his geography interests, from local history to global travels, culminating in winning a Geography Bee.

Transcript

hi I'm will degrade me 2013 early stage geographic region I'm an 8th grader at Warren middle school located Lauren Township Somerset County New Jersey Warren which was named for General Joseph Warren the hero who lost his life in the Battle of Bunker Hill has a little bit of the old and new behind me you can see this school for autistic children bu... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤑 Warren, NJ, has a rich history with connections to George Washington and is recognized as a great place to live.
• 🤕 The student's passion for geography was sparked by collecting picture books and atlases at a young age.
• 🧑‍🎓 International travels to locations like Alaska, Switzerland, and Niagara Falls broadened the student's geographic knowledge.
• 😉 Winning the Geography Bee highlighted the significance of both study and experiences in shaping the student's expertise.
• 🧑‍🎓 Norway's allure and proximity to Vietnam showcase the student's global curiosity.
• 😚 Hurricane Sandy's impact on New Jersey serves as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature, even close to home.
• 🧑‍🎓 From local history to global travels, the student's journey showcases the intersection of personal experiences and academic success in geography.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Warren, New Jersey, play a role in the Revolutionary War?

Warren's vantage point in the Watchung mountains provided a strategic advantage for General George Washington to spy on British bases, making it a key location in the war effort.

Q: How did the experience of cleaning out his closet spark the 8th grader's interest in geography?

While cleaning out his closet, the student found picture books and atlases he collected since age five, reigniting his curiosity and passion for geography.

Q: What interesting fact about Alaska did the student learn during a cruise with his parents?

The student discovered that Alaska lies in three hemispheres - northern, western, and eastern - during a cruise, showcasing the fascinating geographic diversity of the state.

Q: How did a trip to Niagara Falls contribute to the student winning the Geography Bee?

Visiting Niagara Falls during spring break provided the student with the knowledge needed to answer a Geography Bee question about Canadian provinces, showcasing the practical application of his travels.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The 8th grader discusses his local town Warren's history, including its connections to George Washington and CNNMoney's recognition as a great place to live.

• He delves into his passion for geography, beginning with collecting picture books and atlases at age five and leading to international travels.

• The student recounts traveling to Alaska, Switzerland, and Niagara Falls, ultimately winning a Geography Bee with knowledge from his adventures.