An interesting piece from back in 2013 on an effort put forward in some DC area schools
Image Credit: Arent Fox
On January 9, 2013, more than 200 Washington, DC students, representing about 30 local public schools, participated in the 8th annual GeoPlunge Challenge Tournament, the geography game that makes learning fun. The tournament was held at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and made possible through donations by area businesses.
Communications, Technology & Mobile partner Alan Fishel created the award-winning game that resulted in Mayor Vince Gray proclaiming January 9 “GeoPlunge Day” in the District. Volunteers from Arent Fox, including Managing Partner Matthew Clark, were on hand to help make the tournament a success. DCPS, in partnership with the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, and with the help of sponsors that include Arent Fox, annually present the tournament as part of a larger program aimed at improving education in local schools.
GeoPlunge helps 3rd through 6th graders get excited about geography while they learn a key social studies standard. By turning the names of state capitals and other fun facts into a game, GeoPlunge instills in students a love of geography at a critical time in their educational development. Moreover, they have a chance to interact with their peers at other schools in a friendly competition. The DCPS Chancellor’s representative Josephine Bias Robinson was on hand to present an award to the winning team from Alice Deal Middle School, which became the first squad in GeoPlunge’s history to win all 13 of its matches.
Through the Committee’s Partnership Program, numerous local businesses and organizations coach teams in preparation for the tournament. This year, additional sponsors included Presidio Networked Solutions, UBT, Veris Consulting, and several major law firms. On tournament day, Arent Fox sent a team of attorneys, paralegals and staff to help make the event a great experience for DC students.