Map image from National Geographic Atlas of the World, Ninth Edition
Download a PDF of this activity.
Building a strong “geo-vocabulary” is an important part of learning geography. But simply memorizing terms and place locations can be tedious and even boring. One solution to this learning challenge is to turn the task into a game in which students take charge of their own learning. For example, students can participate in an atlas-based scavenger hunt to learn new information and also become more familiar with the atlas as an important tool of geography.
Conducting a Geo-Scavenger Hunt
a) Divide students into teams of two or three. Then provide each team with several atlases and copies of the handout.
b) Explain to students that their task is to use the atlases and the clues provided in the handout to identify 26 place locations that begin with the letters of the alphabet – A to Z.
Geo-Scavenger Hunt Key
A: Atacama
B: Baikal
C: Cuba
D: Darfur
E: Elba
F: Faroe Islands
G: Guadalcanal
H: Hatteras
I: Iguaçu
J: James River
K: Karakum
L: Limpopo
M: Marquesas Islands
N: Nile River
O: Ob River
P: Paraná River
Q: Queen Maud Land
R: Rhine River
S: Sumatra
T: Thames River
U: Ucayali River
V: Viti Levu
W: Weddell Sea
X: Xizang
Y: Yalu River
Z: Zanzibar
Extending the Activity
a) Distribute blank world physical maps.
b) Have students use the atlases to locate and label each of the place locations identified in the Geo-Scavenger Hunt on blank world maps.
2012 National Geographic Bee
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2012 National Geographic Bee Hosted by Alex Trebek
Don't miss a single, nail-biting moment of this year's Geo Bee, hosted by Alex Trebek! THUR MAY 24 8P et/pt on National Geographic Channel.
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Public Television Air Dates and Times
Find out when the National Geographic Bee will be airing on your local PBS station.
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Alex Trebek Takes to the Streets
Alex Trebek takes to the streets of Washington, D.C. to see how well residents know their geography.
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National Geographic's Lady of the Bee
For its entire history Mary Lee has overseen the National Geographic Bee. Her determined goal each year is to ensure a fair, fun, and inspiring experience for the geographic students.
Teachers and Parents
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How Schools Register
Principals of schools in the U.S. with any of the grades four through eight are eligible to register their schools to receive contest materials for a school-level Bee.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering how to register for the Bee or how to prepare? Our "Frequently Asked Questions" have the answers!
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Study Corner
What's the best way for students to prepare for the Bee? Here are some tips from the National Geographic Bee.
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Sample Questions
Answer sample questions from the National Geographic Bee, and get ideas on how to look for clues within the questions that can help you figure out the right answers.
Quizzes to Go
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Now on Your Favorite Mobile Device!
Do you have what it takes to be the next National Geographic Bee Champion? Find out the fun way with the new GeoBee Challenge! Three types of game play make sure you really know your stuff and never get bored.
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Google Earth Presents
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What Can You Do With Geography?
A look behind the scenes into why geography matters, as students around the country prepare for the 2012 National Geographic Bee.
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Student Activities
Teachers can use these activities in the classroom to prepare students for the bee!
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Geo-Scavenger Hunt
Simply memorizing terms and place locations can be tedious and even boring. One solution is to make the task fun with an atlas-based scavenger game.
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Exploring Diffusion
The movement of people, goods, or ideas from one place to another is a process known as diffusion, which plays an important role in shaping the characteristics of where we live.
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Tracking Violent Storms
Springtime brings the possibility of extreme weather, including violent thunderstorms and tornadoes.