Writing Competitions
We currently have two writing competitions and one photography competition open to students. Students are not required to enter these contests, but I do encourage them to enter. Many of these competitions have cash or prizes for the winner (especially helpful for those of us saving for college) and it is definitely a motivation for students to write. Before I send in entries, I get permission from the parents/legal guardians first, so if you do not wish your student to enter any competitions, you will have the opportunity to decline their entry.
I read through, edit, and approve entries before they are sent and I also take care of the postage and entry forms. The only thing the student must do is get parental permission and write the entry.
Contest #1:
In honor of National Inventors Month in August, Inventors Digest magazine and partners are sponsoring the 2059 Essay Contest for middle school and high school students.
Your assignment: What will the world look like in 2059?
In 1959, the internal pacemaker, the microchip, the Barbie doll and pantyhose were invented. Each was significant in its own right. But that was so 50 years ago.
Show us in 500 words or less what technology, tool, product or service will shape our lives in 2059 and why.
For more information: http://www.inventorsdigest.com/?p=838
Contest#2:
LEGO Systems, Inc. has launched the third annual LEGO Click! Awards. Creative young inventors ages 6 to 13 are invited to enter this essay contest and share their innovative ideas for a chance to win $5000.
To enter the LEGO Click! Awards, children must first think up an invention, a creation that answers the question, If you could invent anything, what would it be? Describe how to use it. How did you get the idea? Why are you excited about it?
Once child inventors have developed their idea, they should download a LEGO Click! Awards entry form and officially enter this creative essay contest by describing their invention. (Children ages 6 to 9 are expected to write between 100 and 150 words, while kids ages 10 to 13 are expected to write between 150 and 300 words.) Entries will be judged on originality and creativity and how well they fit the theme of the contest.
Interested young innovators can submit entries until November 2, 2009. Five winners will be selected to receive $5000 savings bonds.
Contest #3:
AGI (American Geological Institute) is sponsoring a photography contest to celebrate Earth Science Week 2009. The photography theme for this year is: “How Climate Shapes My World.”
Your photograph should focus on the topic “How Climate Shapes My World.”
If you were putting together a travel brochure about your local area, what image would best represent your climate? No matter where you are, your climate affects - and is affected by - air, water, land, and living things. Use your camera to get the best possible “Climate Capture,” and submit it to this year’s Earth Science Week Photo Contest.
For more information: http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/photography/index.html