Bee, presented via a fascinating multimedia (PowerPoint) format; it is a contest of knowledge and strategy (such as use of "process of elimination" in narrowing answer choices).

Some 40-50 multiple-choice items will be presented one at a time via Powerpoint-type slides. Some sample questions appear in the scrolling banner at the top of this page. Contestants may be asked to work alone or in pairs (with one answer per question between the partners); the exact format for this year's Bee will be determined by Colina, and will be announced the morning of the contest.

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.

Here's an example of a question: What is the name of the process that a plant uses to combine sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and sugar (energy)? There may be an illustration that accompanies the question, and these choices for the answer: mitochondria, photosynthesis, mitosis, or meiosis? (The answer is photosynthesis.)

Or else, you might be asked, from among four choices, which animal is making a certain sound that you'll hear. Or, perhaps you’ll be presented four photos and be asked which shows nimbus clouds. Or which depicts a lunar eclipse.

How about this one, from a past Bee:

The Bee may include items about or related to physical science, life science, health, nutrition, earth science, chemistry, space, investigation & experimentation, historical and current events, and other science-related items.

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 and a plaque, as well as recognition on Colina's website, at a PTSA meeting, and over the P.A. system. 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.

Parents of contestants are welcome to attend as an audience.