Each contestant will answer in one of two ways (to be announced on the morning of the contest):
a) electronically, by "punching in" the the answer on a system known as Qwizdom (don't worry, you don't have to know a thing about Qwizdom; you'll be shown that morning); or else, b) manually, by "bubbling in" on a Scantron form.

For instance, you might hear a sound byte of the famous quote “We have nothing to fear but fear itself,” and be asked, from among five choices, which U.S. president made that statement. (It was Franklin D. Roosevelt.)

Or, perhaps you’ll be presented five photos and be asked which one is of Condoleezza Rice.

How about this one, from a past Bee:

The Bee may include items from U.S. and world history, current events, government and geography.

It’s academic fun--low pressure, high excitement. No standing in front of everyone to answer questions (as one has to do in our spelling and geography bees). Every contestant is “in” until the end of the Bee; the winner is determined based on the number of questions correctly. For all or most Bee items, you will be asked to select the best choice from among four or five choices; a given question may be presented within a context, which may or may not be helpful in arriving at the correct answer.

Please note the deadline above for signing up. Once you’re signed up, no reminder notice will be sent to you, so be sure to mark the Bee date/time in your personal calendar or assignment notebook. Names of all the contestants will be listed on Colina’s website after the Bee.

The winner will receive an iPod Nano; the runner up will receive an iPod Shuffle. The first place winner automatically earns an invitation to Awards Night. The top three scorers in each grade level receive recognition on Colina's website and the P.A. system. (Prize funding is through the generosity of Colina PTSA and social science department chairperson Mr. Olson.)

To our way of thinking every contestant is a winner, in the sense of "turning on" to history and the lessons if affords, as well as to social science, geography, government and current events. The knowledge helps one to become a better and better global citizen Then, too, there is the recreational element: Be sure to have fun in the Bee!

Parents of contestants are welcome to attend as an audience.

You may sign up for the Bee online; be sure to observe signup and contest deadlines. It’s an exciting event; go ahead--enter today...