Third-graders and their parents at the Long Beach Public Schools’ East Elementary School teamed up for a friendly competition on Jan. 18, when they answered geography questions in the Amazing Race. This event emphasized map skills, curriculum and interdisciplinary learning as students collaborated for a problem-solving voyage.

Teams were tasked with uncovering clues that directed them as to where to go in the gymnasium. Fourth-grade officials checked the responses, and if correct, select team members “travelled” to stations that represented different parts of the world. During their visit, they picked up an envelope containing a question and challenge that the group then worked together to complete. 

Students and parents explored maps of Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America, the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. They filled out questionnaires and enthusiastically took on the exciting and often funny challenges while putting their map and geography knowledge to the test.