SLIPPERY ROCK — It was one of the few environments where you'd find fifth grade students answering like pros and teacher advisers scratching their heads when faced with the same questions.

It was the Academic Games World Events challenge held Feb. 20 at Slippery Rock University's University Union.

The event hosted nearly 400 students from Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV schools, including students from Grove City, Slippery Rock, and Karns City in grades five through 12.

The theme of the games was "The 1980s in the United States." Students learned how events in the 1980s affected people at the time and how those issues still affect them today.

Some students and advisers even dressed the part with 1980s fashions.

The intermediate unit sponsored the games, one of six competitions held during the year. Students who place well go on to regional and national competitions, which could lead to scholarship opportunities.

Students from Grove City won first, fourth and sixth place in the individual competition for grades five and six.

In grades seven and eight, Slippery Rock students won fifth and seventh place while Grove City won sixth.

In grades nine and 10, students in Slippery Rock won first, fourth and fifth place and Grove City students won second and seventh place.

In grades 11 and 12, Grove City students won second and third place.

Individual student names weren't available.

In team competition, these teams were the top ranked in their age levels:

Grades 5 and 6: Grove City teams Welcome to the Jungle and Thriller

Grades 7 and 8: Grove City combo It's Morning Again in America, with one student from Mohawk School District

Grades 9 and 10: Slippery Rock McCainiacs and Grove City PacMen and Jackie

Most students agreed they participate for the fun of it.

Slippery Rock High School student Dylan Parson was enjoying reminiscing with friends from other schools and especially liked the topic of questions on Feb. 20.

"This is my favorite game because its history," he said, comparing that day's events with the other academic games of the year, which could be on any topic. "I know this area the best."

Emily Bresnihan of Portersville, also a high school student, said it is a lot of work to prepare for the academic challenge, but "it's worth it."

Jeff Griggs, history teacher at the high school, said 13 of his high school students were at the Feb. 20 event. While the scholarships are a great incentive to get the students involved in the challenges, Griggs agreed most students just enjoyed the moment.

"It's one of the few opportunities they get to interact with other gifted kids in this type of environment," he said.

Heather Davidson, gifted support teacher in the Grove City School District, said her students study at school during the week as well as three or four hours on the weekends for the academic challenges.

More than half of her students who participate have participated in the national competition each year, she said.

This year, 11 students in grades four, five and six will travel to nationals.

The next round of competition for students is the state level, March 10 and 11 at Geneva College.

Davidson said the students see it as fun and don't always realize the far-reaching benefits.

"These kids get to be with kids with similar interests and at a higher thinking level," she said. "They're learning things way above their grade level."

This is Davidson's fifth year coaching students in grades one through eight.

Before each academic challenge, players learn to research a particular theme and to prepare notes and study materials about that theme. During certain rounds of competition, they can use those notes.

Students in the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV League may compete in the Western Pennsylvania Tri-Bowl competition. If successful there, they may compete in the national championship tournament in late April.

For information, visit the Intermediate Unit Web site at http://academic games.miu4.k12.pa.us.