Fourth graders excel at geography

For weeks, they were studying and learning more about this country’s and the world’s geography.

A recent geography test determined that Faith Forstad, McAuliffe; Sarah Gathe, Pinecrest; and Aimee Fagnant, Kennedy, do know their facts about geography.

For the past four years, the fourth grade students of Hastings School District 200 elementary schools have participated in the Geo-Bee Club (each school has one for invited students). The culmination of the three months of studying and discussion is a geography bee, sponsored by National Geographic.

McAuliffe teacher Kate Zvareck said that participation in each school’s Geo-Bee Club is by invitation only and depends on a number of indicators, such as interest in current events; enjoyment of looking at maps, atlases and globes; and showing interest in government and different cultures.

“We did a variety of activities,” she said.

Some of it included team teaching by her and Jodi Glazier, other times it was independent study by the students. Topics included states, continents, land forms and physical features.

Each school’s Geo-Bee Club met after school and was for enrichment purposes, Glazier said. The kids were excited.

“We tell them to look at maps at home, and they did,” said Glazier. “They were academically challenged.”

“They were really naturally curious,” said Zvareck.

Using different computer programs was part of the learning as well.

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