UIL Academics Competition (6th, 7th, and 8th graders)

Mission

The academic programs of the University Interscholastic League motivate students:

• to find new excitement in learning; 
• to work with others in a competitive atmosphere; 
• to achieve mastery of essential knowledge and skills; 
• to test their skills and knowledge; 
• to know the satisfaction of a successful performance; and 
• to achieve recognition for academic excellence.

General Information

Location: Splendora High School
Date: March 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm*

* Students need to only be present for their contest. Contest times will be released closer to contest day.  Students may be picked up once their contest is over.

Students may participate in multiple events. 

If you would like your child to participate in one or more of the events please click the link HERE to complete the Google Form. For additional Information or any questions you may have, please contact your student's campus sponsor.

Nicole Mikel
nmikel@splendoraisd.org

Art (grades 6-8) 

The art contest involves the study of paintings from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and paintings from Texas art galleries and museums. Students will demonstrate an understanding of art history, interpret ideas and moods in original artworks and make informed judgments about the artwork. The contest consists of multiple choice and true/false questions and an identification section.

Calculator Applications (grades 6-8) 

The calculator applications contest is designed to stimulate the development of mathematical and calculator skills. Goals are both intellectual and practical: developing mathematical reasoning and knowledge and requiring the application of problem-solving skills toward realistic problems. The contest is a 30-minute, 80-problem, fill-in-the blank test. 

Chess Puzzle (grades 6-8)

Chess teaches problem solving, hones concentration and encourages analytical and strategic thinking. Chess can be a lifelong pursuit. Contestants in chess puzzles receive a paper-and-pencil test that includes a series of chess boards with pieces in particular positions; questions are based on analysis of material or possible moves in each given diagram. The contest is a 30-minute, 20-problem, multiple choice test, plus a tiebreaker. 

Dictionary Skills (grades 6-8) 

Thorough knowledge of the dictionary is a way to increase a student’s ability to find the information that is needed for classwork as well as everyday living. The subject matter of all tests is taken from Merriam Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary. Students are given 20 minutes to answer 40 objective and short-answer questions. 

Editorial Writing (grades 6-8) 

Texas teachers have always looked for ways to improve their students’ writing skills. The Editorial Writing contest will build those skills as well as refine the students’ ability to prepare a well-balanced persuasive paper

Impromptu Speaking (grades 6-8) 

Impromptu speaking provides opportunities for students to organize ideas; to prepare and deliver speeches on different types of topics; to evaluate speeches given by others; and to develop self confidence. From a set of topics, students are given three minutes to prepare one speech no longer than five minutes. 

Listening (grades 6-8) 

The listening contest helps students recognize the importance of effective listening skills and to identify problems they may have in listening effectively, a skill they will need throughout their lives. Students are read a script 7-10 minutes long and then must answer 25 objective questions.

Maps, Graphs & Charts (grades 6-8) 

The maps, graphs & charts contest is designed to help students learn to get information from world maps, pie charts, bar charts and local area maps. The 75-question objective test that students must complete in 45 minutes measures skills such as using a reference book to locate information, making comparisons, estimating and approximating, using scale and interpreting legends and keys.

Mathematics (grades 6-8)

Learning to quickly complete math problems is a valuable skill in all facets of life including engineering, accounting, completing a tax return and even grocery shopping. Students have 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions that cover everything from algebra to geometry, as appropriate for the grade level. 

Modern Oratory (grades 6-8) 

In modern oratory, the contestant will select one of five topics, determine the critical issues in the topic, and determine and acknowledge both pro and con points citing support discovered in their research. Students will decide which side they will defend and support that side in a three- to six-minute speech with additional evidence. 

Music Memory (grades 6-8) 

The focus of the music memory contest is an in-depth study of fine pieces of music literature taken from a wide spectrum of music genres. Students listen to a portion of each selection on the music list and must list or recognize the composer, the name of the major work and the name of the selection.

Number Sense (grades 6-8) 

Being able to perform quick mathematical calculations is the premise behind this contest. The test covers functions appropriate for the grade level, including algebra and geometry. Students are given 10 minutes to complete the fill-in-the-blank test. 

Oral Reading (grades 6-8) 

As students prepare a piece of prose or poetry to read out loud, they learn to analyze the text as a literary critic, to grow and to develop as a performer, to communicate a message to an audience and to perform an artistic creation. all of these apply to the oral reading competition, which should be an extension of the classroom literary and language arts activities in poetry, short stories and children's’ fiction.

Ready Writing (grades 6-8) 

Given up to two hours to write an essay on one of two topics, ready writing helps students refine their writing abilities. This contest helps them to learn to write clearly and correctly a paper that is interesting and original, regardless of the topic area. Participation in ReadyWriting provides excellent preparation for the writing components of state-mandated testing. 

Science (grades 6-8) 

Emphasis for the science contest is placed on knowledge of scientific fact, understanding of scientific principles and the ability to think through scientific problems. The 45-minute, 50- question contest is designed to test knowledge and the ability to critically think about science and scientific concepts. Test content is specifically correlated to the TEKS curriculum.

Social Studies (grades 6-8)

This contest is designed to encourage students to expand their knowledge of social studies, particularly in the areas of history, geography, government systems, economics and citizenship. Students will be given an objective test containing approximately 40 questions which must be answered in 30 minutes. Test content is specifically correlated to the TEKS curriculum. 

Spelling (grades 6-8)

The spelling contest is designed to give students exposure to a wide variety of vocabulary words. It is not a contest of memorization. For the most educational value, preparation for this contest should include instruction in the rules of the English language, meanings and definitions, and root words. Depending on their grade level, students must spell between 65 and 140 words in 30-60 minutes.