The following thirteen (13) PSIA Academic Events are available for 6th, 7th and 8th Graders:
Click HERE to sign up for the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade PSIA Academic Events.
1. Art Memory (Grades 4-8):
There are two parts to this contest: (1) For Part 1, contestants learn about the artist and the art work through their study of the Art Smart Bulletin and then take a 30-item multiple choice and true/false test. (2) For Part 2, contestants learn to recognize the artist and title of 30 pieces of art through the study of the Art Smart Bulletin.
Click HERE for more information about Art Memory.
Click HERE for the Art Smart Bulletin.
Click HERE for the list of Art Memory Works.
Click for supplemental Art Memory information: Bio Part 1, Bio Part 2, Supplemental.
2. Calculator Applications (Grades 6-8):
This contest presents 80 problems in straight-forward numerical calculation, in calculations based upon geometrically presented problems, and in word problems. Both accuracy and speed are factors in the competition. One silent calculator may be used.
Click HERE for more information about Calculator Applications and sample questions.
3. Dictionary Skills (Grades 4-8):
This contest tests the contestant's ability to find information quickly in a dictionary. For grades 6-8, additional resource pages are provided, and contestants answer an additional 10 questions using a combination of the dictionary and resource pages.
Click HERE for more information about Dictionary Skills and sample questions.
4. Listening Skills (Grades 4-8):
This contest tests the contestant's ability to listen carefully, take notes and recall intricate detail. Contestants listen to a recorded passage and take notes. They are then given a 6-minute, 25-item multiple choice and true/false test over the passage.
Click HERE for more information about Listening Skills.
5. Maps, Graphs and Charts (Grades 4-8):
All grades will be tested over the ability to locate and interpret information in an atlas or data provided in the test itself in the form of maps, graphs, charts, tables, etc. The atlas will be provided. For grades 6-8, students are additionally tested over general geography and social studies questions, including Texas History and American History (through Reconstruction).
Click HERE for more information about Maps, Graphs and Charts and sample questions.
6. Mathematics (Grades 2-8):
This contest tests the contestant's ability to solve a variety of mathematical problems studied at and above grade level. Calculators are not permitted.
Click HERE for more information about Mathematics and sample problems.
7. Music Memory (Grades 3-8):
There are two parts to this contest: (1) For Part 1, contestants learn about the composer and musical work through their study of the UIL Passport Program and then take a 20-item multiple choice test. (2) For Part 2, contestants hear segments of the prescribed music found on this year's iTunes or Spotify list and have to identify the Major Work, Selection and Composer being played. 20% of the music segments will be alternate performance versions of the works on the prescribed list. Grade 7/8 contestants are tested over all 20 pieces, plus they are given 5 additional alternate performance versions of the music, for a total of 25 listening test items.
Click HERE for more information about Music Memory and a link to the Spotify list for this year's contest.
8. Number Sense (Grades 2-8):
The contest presents 80 problems. Elementary (Grades 2-5) problems requiring the applications of the four basic operations (+, –, ×, ÷) for their solution constitute the core of what is commonly thought of as number sense. The middle school contest may range from whole number arithmetic to topics on the study of sequences in analysis, and topics relating to the efficient and/or high speed solution of mathematics problems, in addition to “special topics” distributed through workshop participation. Spring 2025 and Spring 2026 topics include: (1) Multiplication by Numbers That Straddle 100, (2) Volume of Prisms, (3) Working with x + y and xy, and (4) Means.
Click HERE for more information about Number Sense and sample problems.
9. On-Site Drawing (Grades 6-8):
Observing a still life display consisting of 4 to 7 objects, contestants produce a rendering on regular drawing paper using any drawing media.
Click HERE for more information about On-Site Drawing.
10. Ready Writing (Grades 3-8):
Contestants must write on their choice of one of two writing prompts. The three types of writing categories used in this contest are description, narration, and persuasion.
Click HERE for more information about Ready Writing.
11. Science (Grades 6-8):
The contest presents 50 multiple-choice problems. Emphasis in science is placed on three main areas: knowledge of scientific fact, understanding of scientific principles, and the ability to think through scientific problems. Question breakdown is approximately 40% Earth Science, 40% Life Science and 20% Physical Science.
Click HERE for more information about Science.
12. Spelling (Grades 2-8):
Contestants learn by memory to write or print the spelling words found on the current's year's PSIA Spelling List. The spelling lists change every year, and the full list consists of 600 words for grades 2 & 3, 800 words for grades 4 & 5, and 900 words for grades 6 & 7/8.
Click HERE for more information about Spelling.
13. Vocabulary (Grades 5-8):
The Vocabulary test contains items that are very similar in construction and content to those that might be found on an SAT verbal test. The vocabulary list for the current year consists of 300 words.
Click HERE for more information about Vocabulary.
Click HERE for this year's list of words.