Robinson NAL

National Academic League (NAL for short) is a scholastic competition for middle school students. Students answer questions on a variety of topics, including literature, grammar, spelling, mathematics, science, government, and history.

There are four quarters in each game:

The First Quarter (Q1) is the "Round-a-Bout” round. Teams answer groups of three questions round-robin style. The questions are asked to each member of the team in turn. Correct answers are worth two points. If the team answers incorrectly, the question goes to the other team for a one-point steal and possession of a three-question sequence.

The Second Quarter (Q2) is a collaborative round where teams of five students work together to solve multi-faceted questions in one minute. Up to 25 questions are posed to both teams. Correct answers are worth three points.

The Third Quarter (Q3) is the problem-solving quarter. Each team is presented with a real-life problem and then collaboratively creates a persuasive presentation offering their solution to the problem.

The Fourth Quarter (Q4) is called “one-on-one”. It’s a fast-paced round where teams answer questions on a variety of topics and the lead may change several times. Each question is worth two points, and incorrect answers result in losing a point. If both teams fail to answer the question, it goes to a "free for all" and any team member may buzz in.

Who can be on the NAL team? Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade Robinson student!

Hyperlinked Videos:

USD 259 kids explain why they do NAL

NAL happening remotely 2020-21

Wichita NAL All-Star Game 2017

Link to USD 259 NAL Home page:

https://www.usd259.org/Page/14763

1. Practices typically on Wednesdays as a group, starting in October. You will also need to study/ practice independently 1-2 hours per week.

2. Games start in November, are held on Thursdays, and last until early March. Group Wednesday practices continue until the last game.

3. Hopefully with the new "clubs" starting during charge time on Fridays - we will be able to have a NAL club during the winter.

I anticipate meeting in person, in room 227. Please know the mask mandate applies to this after-school practice. I hope we will be able to meet in person, all year but have plans in place if things change. If we go remote as a district we will meet on Microsoft Teams.

For away games, bus transportation will be provided by the district to the hosting school and back home to Robinson. Masks must be worn on the bus. Parents may choose to take their children to games. The games start at 4 pm. This year parents will be able to attend games.

These plans change are subject to change due to the endemic nature of the COVID-19 virus.

Study & Practice

Quarter 1, 2 and 4 team members: Our TEAM is where you will find specific study guides for each match. We will chunk them as a Q1, Q2, Q4 team members. Study guides do not apply to Q3 team members.

CLICK HERE for helpful links for completing the study guides mentioned above.

Quarter 3 team members: Located on this Microsoft TEAM, there will be a place for Q3 team members to collaborate. This space does not apply to Q1, Q2, Q4 team members.

Currently there will be "no try" out to join. If interest in the team exceeds 35 students there will be a try out consisting of a States/Capital Quiz, spelling counts for Quarter 1, 2 and 4 team members. Quarter 3 applicants will be interviewed.