Brainsports
Just as there are athletic sports, there are also competitive sports for your mind. If you are interested in getting something started at your school, here are some ideas and starters.
Destination Imagination
Educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at Tournaments.
January Registration
Washington State Affiliate:
http://www.wa-di.org/
National Website:
http://www.idodi.org/
Lego Enrichment Opportunities
Enrichment classes, homeschool classes, workshops, and summer camps at over 100 public schools, private schools, home schools, and summer camp sites. Project-based programs are designed to teach principles and methods of engineering using the LEGO® building system, to encourage students to work through design challenges using what they have learned, and to allow students to work at their optimal pace. www.play-well.org
Chess Competition
Chess Tournament Primer from GEAC's Brainsports Forum held on 10/23/08
Academic Games
Academic Games Information from GEAC's Brainsports Forum held on 10/23/08
Math Contests
Local and National Math Contests from GEAC's Brainsports Forum held on 10/23/08
Math Team FAQs
Math Kangaroo
Math competition for students in Grades 1 - 12
www.mathkangaroo.org
Spelling Bee
The largest US National Spelling Bee organization is the Scripps Spelling Bee.
Participants can be no older than 15 and must be in the 6th grade to move beyond the local school level.
The spelling bee is run by the local school to determine a champion. The local key sponsor will then notify each school of the Seattle wide contest and beyond.
Fall registration.
* John Muir Elementary has hosted one at their school for its 6th graders since 2005.
www.spellingbee.com
Geography Bee
The National Geographic Bee, an educational program of the National Geographic Society, is a nationwide geography competition for U.S. schools with any grades four through eight, designed to encourage the teaching and study of geography.
Fall registration
www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee
Math Kangaroo
Math competition for students in Grades 1 - 12
www.mathkangaroo.org