While some grumble that Americans have trouble finding Iraq on a map, some students are trying to fight this stereotype and prove they know their geography.
Thursday night, University of Nebraska-Lincoln students competed in the 14th Annual UNL Geography Bowl, where teams of two answered geography questions. Some of these questions included places in pop culture, Nebraska land trivia and world geography.
"Anyone is welcome to participate in it," said CJ Leland, a senior geography major and treasurer of the Geography Student Organization.
Geography bowls are taking place all over the United States to celebrate Geography Awareness week. UNL's geography bowl is also helping to celebrate 100 years of graduate education at the university.
Leland said her first experience with the geography bowl was when she competed last year at the spur of the moment, when her friend needed a partner.
Teams write down their answers to the questions on paper and receive points for each correct answer.
"Whichever team that scores the most points goes on (to the next round)," she said.
This continues until the final three teams compete to win the bowl in the final question round.
Adam Methe, a senior computer science major, was part of the Geek Squad team.
"Hopefully we win it," Methe said of his team's chances. "Maybe top 10."
Methe said he didn't do any extra studying for the bowl and added that he decided to attend to receive extra credit points for class.
"It's nice to see a high turnout," he said.
Kate Wheeldon, a senior food and science major, and Ellen Held, a senior marketing major, also made up one of the competing teams.
Held said they participated for several reasons.
"Just for fun," she said. "To learn new things."
Wheeldon and Held both said they felt they did well after competing in the first round.
Leland said she thinks that students participate in the geography bowl because of the food and drinks provided and the prizes.
"There are some good prizes this year," she said.
Door prizes were also handed out for those who had their names drawn from a box.
This year the event was planned for 70 people to show up and participate.
"We usually get a good amount of people to show up," Leland said.
kimbuckley@dailynebraskan.com
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