ART (grades 4-8) involves the study of paintings. Students will demonstrate an understanding of art history, interpret ideas and moods in original artworks and make informed judgements about the artwork.

CALCULATOR APPLICATIONS (grades 6-8) is designed to stimulate the development of mathematical and calculator skills.

CHESS PUZZLE (grades 2-8) teaches problem solving, hones concentration and encourages analytical and strategic thinking. 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.

CREATIVE WRITING (grade 2) is designed to promote creativity in an academic format and to encourage writing skills at an early grade level. Students are given five captioned pictures and 30 minutes to write their story about one or more of those pictures.

DICTIONARY SKILLS (grades 5-8) tests the knowledge of the dictionary to increase a student's ability to find the information that is needed for classwork as well as everyday living.

EDITORIAL WRITING (grades 6-8) highlights writing skills as well as refining the students' ability to prepare a well-balanced persuasive paper.

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING (grades 6-8) 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 5-8) contests helps students recognize the importance of effective listening skills. Students are read a script 7-10 minutes long and then must answer 25 objective questions.

MAPS, GRAPHS, & CHARTS (grades 5-8) is designed to help students learn to get information from world maps, pie charts, bar charts and local area maps by making comparisons, estimating and approximating, using scale and interpreting legends and keys.

MATHEMATICS (grades 6-8) tests quick completion of math problems. This is a valuable skill in all facets of life including engineering, accounting, completing a tax return and even grocery shopping 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 2-8) 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 4-8) tests being able to perform quick mathematical calculations. The test covers functions appropriate for the grade level, including algebra and geometry.

ORAL READING (grades 4-8) teaches students to 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.

READY WRITING (grades 3-8) Gives students up to two hours to write an essay on one of two topics. This contest helps students refine their writing abilities.

SCIENCE (grades 7-8) emphasises knowledge of scientific fact, understanding of scientific principles and the ability to think through scientific problems. Test content is specifically correlated to the TEKS curriculum.

SOCIAL STUDIES (grades 5-8) is designed to encourage students to expand their knowledge of social studies, particularly in the areas of history, geography, government systems, economics and citizenship. Test content is specifically correlated to the TEKS curriculum.

SPELLING (grades 2-8) is designed to give students exposure to a wide variety of vocabulary words. It is not a contest of memorization. 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.

STORYTELLING (grades 1-3) to tell a story, the participant must develop skills in listening, interpretative thinking and speaking. Students are read a story, which they must then tell back to the judges. Preparing for this contest also allows for the development of creative expression and self-confidence.

BUSINESS SKILLS contests include Accounting and Computer Applications

JOURNALISM contests include Copy Editing, Editorial Writing, Headline Writing, Feature Writing and News Writing.

LANGUAGE ARTS contests include Literary Criticism, Ready Writing and Spelling and Vocabulary.

SOCIAL STUDIES competitions include Current Issues & Events, and Social Studies

SPEECH & DEBATE contests include Congress, Cross Examination Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, Informative Speaking, Persuasive Speaking, Prose Interpretation and Poetry Interpretation.

STEM contests include Calculator Applications, Computer Science, Mathematics, Number Sense, Robotics and Science.

THEATRE contests include Filmmaking and One-Act Play.

UIL Academic District Coordinator:

Shanklin Elementary UIL Coordinator: Amanda Mendoza

GJHS UIL Coordinator: Rebecca Bohac

LHS UIL Coordinator: Diane Caddell