A challenging, low-cost academic competition in which teams of students compete -- nationally and internationally -- without leaving their own schools. The KMO began in 1983 with 72 schools; it now annually attracts up to 4,000 schools and 60,000 participants from the U.S. and several foreign lands.
How the Contest Works
Teams in the Knowledge Master Open receive curriculum-based contest questions (200 at secondary levels; 100 at elementary levels) on a disk and compete using a computer at their own schools. The event is held twice each year for both secondary and elementary level teams. This year's KMOs are:

• Middle, Junior, High School -- November 28, 2006 (8th grade, periods 1-3)
• Middle, Junior, High School -- November 27, 2007 (7th grade, periods 1-3)

A special password starts the contest, which must be completed in one session requiring 2 to 2 1/2 hours for secondary schools and 1 to 1 1/2 hours for elementary schools. Team size is unlimited. A team may take up to three five-minute time-outs. Communication among team members is encouraged, but no assistance of any kind may be given by coaches or audience members. Only pencils and paper may be used by students during the competition. Other resources such as calculators and books are not permitted.
 
Results and Recognition
Separate results are prepared for each contest grade level -- 5th and 6th in the elementary KMO; middle school, junior high, and high school in the secondary KMO. Preliminary results are compiled by 6 a.m. Mountain Time on the day after the official contest date. A summary of the results of the KMO is posted at this website two days after each event. Complete reports of national, state and enrollment division results are mailed to all participants.
 
The Great Auk knows that all students who face the grueling challenge of the KMO are true winners. His Humble Minions at Academic Hallmarks are anxious to help these students receive the acclaim they deserve and are happy to talk with your local media. To help attract media attention, we suggest sending news releases before and after your participation in the event.
 
As special recognition, aukcellent wooden plaques go to the top teams in each enrollment division. The top overall teams also receive Great Auk shirts. All participants earn commemorative stickers and certificates of participation, and a most unusual KMO poster featuring, of course, the Great Auk is sent to all teams.

Sample questions:            http://www.greatauk.com/KMOsampler.html#mid/jhsKMO