The kickoff for this year’s Bee was the week of November 10, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including Ostin Zarse, then took a written test which was sent to the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C., for grading; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state became eligible to compete in their state Bee on April 3, 2009.

 

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship on May 19 and 20, 2009. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the society. The winner will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, to the Galápagos Islands with “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek and the “Jeopardy!” Clue Crew. The winner will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the wildlife and landscape of Galápagos. Travel for the “Galápagos Adventure with Alex Trebek” provided by Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society.

 

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 20. The program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.

 

Everyone can test their geographic knowledge with the new and exciting GeoBee Challenge, an online geography quiz at www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee, which poses 10 new questions a day and allows players to e-mail their score to friends and challenge them to do better.