Kyle Richardson, from Kitchener, has done what 100,000 students across Canada tried to do but failed. He won the 17th annual Great Canadian Geography Challenge, a grueling competition for students across the country held last month.
With a score of 106 out of 124, Richardson placed first in the online test that asks questions about physical geography, including landforms, water bodies and the atmosphere, agriculture, history and news events, maps and charts, Canadian geography, and world geography. The first-place prize includes the chance to compete in the International Geography Challenge, which will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia next year.
The contest begins at the school level, where the winner from an individual school gets the chance to compete at the provincial level. The winners of the provincials are then eligible to compete in the online contest held concurrently in all provinces and territories.
Samples of the questions at the school, provincial, and national level are provided at the Great Canadian Geography Challenge website, including a series of online quizzes. The informative website also lists past winners, key dates, and registration procedures. Anyone working for a printing company will appreciate the fine graphics on the colorful promotional poster found on the website.
Only recognized Canadian schools can register, rather than individuals. Teachers, principals, administrators, or School Board members should log on to the Great Canadian Geography Challenge website. Competition kits will be sent to all participating schools to enable them to administer the challenge in as many classrooms as desired.
