Knowledge Master Open
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Knowledge Master Open (commonly known as Knowledge Masters or KMO) is a computer-based semiannual worldwide academic competition in which teams of students from many schools earn points by answering multiple-choice questions quickly and accurately. The questions includes fifteen subject areas: American history, world history, government, recent events, economics & law, geography, literature, English, math, physical science, biology, earth science, health & psychology, fine arts, and useful trivia.[1]
The competition started in 1983 with 74 schools. In 2009, there are about 45,000 participants from over 3,000 high schools and middle schools in the U.S. and other countries.[2]
There are five levels of competition. 5th and 6th grade contests are held in January and March and consist of one hundred questions. On the other hand, middle school (up to grade 8), junior high (up to grade 9), and high school (up to grade 12) contests are held in December and April and consist of two hundred questions.
The Knowledge Masters mascot is a Great Auk[3] with an affinity for puns.
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[edit] Scoring
There are two hundred multiple choice questions. Each question can be answered for a maximum of ten points.[4] The questions are presented on screen with five choices and a one-minute timer. If answered correctly, five points are awarded. Additional bonus points -- up to five -- can be earned if answered quickly enough. When time expires, or if the first answer was incorrect, another chance is given, with another minute on the clock.[5] Only two points are awarded for correct "second chance" questions. Bonus points awarded for correct answer cutoff times are as follows:
| Within the first: | Bonus points |
|---|---|
| 7 seconds | 5 |
| 12 seconds | 4 |
| 17 seconds | 3 |
| 22 seconds | 2 |
| 29 seconds | 1 |
| Greater than 29 seconds | 0 |
[edit] Recent Winners
According to the official web site, the following is the list of recent winners:[6]
[edit] High School, Junior High, and Middle School
[edit] 6th and 5th Grade
| Year | 6th Grade | 5th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| March 2007 | Mt. Pleasant Middle School (NJ) | Hough Street School (IL) |
| January 2008 | The Westminster Schools (GA) | Hough Street School (IL) |
| March 2008 | Wayzata Central Middle School (MN) | Brandon Valley Schools (SD) |
| January 2009 | Swanson Middle School (VA) | Hough Street School (IL) |
| March 2009 | Webb Bridge Middle School (GA) | Hough Street School (IL) |
[edit] References
- ^ Oak Park among world leaders in competition, Trading Markets - Press Release, April 29, 2009 - accessed May 19, 2009
- ^ Strong Showing in the Knowledge Master Open, HHS Life and Times, January 5, 2009 - accessed May 19, 2009
- ^ Competition summons inner intellect, The Oshkosh West Index, Dec 17, 2004 - accessed May 19, 2009
- ^ It's Academic Team to compete in Knowledge Master Open, Silver Chips Online, December 6, 2006 - accessed May 19, 2009
- ^ Students prep for a quiz they like, Ann Arbor News, March 23, 2009 - accessed May 19, 2009
- ^ KMO Hall of Fame
- GreatAuk.com, the official KMO site.
