Competitions
DEVELOP program for students
DEVELOP is a NASA Science Mission Directorate Applied Sciences training and development program that extends NASA science research to local communities. Students demonstrate to community leaders prototype applications of NASA science measurements and predictions addressing local policy issues. The activities are student led, with help from advisors and mentors from NASA and other partner organizations. DEVELOP projects relate directly to applications include Agriculture, Air Quality, Disaster Management, Ecological Forecasting, Public Health, Water Resources and Weather. The photo shows carbon dioxide emission path. Applications are now being accepted for spring 2010 and all applications must be postmarked by November 30, 2009. More information is available on the NASA website.
Pestworld for Kids
Insects and animals are fun to learn about in the classroom. When they come indoors—into our homes and schools—they can become pests. Pestworld for Kids and the National Pest Management Association want to spread the word about the importance of protecting our health and property from household pests. Using the Pest PSA Lesson plan on the web page, students enrolled in grades 4-8 can create educational television public service announcements discussing the health risks posed by household pests. Entries can focus on a single pest or on a group of pests. Videos up to sixty seconds long can be created. Teachers must enter the contest on behalf of their students no later than December 23, 2009. A grand prize of $3000 will be awarded to the school science department.
Bringing Science to Life
Science Olympiad is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of K-12 science education; increasing male, female and minority interest in science; creating a technologically literate workforce; and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers. These goals are achieved by participation in Science Olympiad tournaments and non-competitive events, incorporating Science Olympiad into classroom curricula, and attending teacher training institutes. Elementary, middle, and high school students with a knack for science are eligible for participation. A school team membership fee must accompany the completed membership application form thirty days before your regional or state tournament. There are five divisions: A1 (K-3). A2 (3-6), A3 (K-6), B (6-9), and C (9-12). Get more information on the website.
What is ExploraVision?
The ExploraVision Awards are a science competition that encourages K-12 students of all interest, skill and ability levels to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science. All inventions and innovations result from creative thinking and problem solving. Each team selects a technology (or an aspect of a technology) that is present in and relevant to their lives. First, the team explores what the technology does, how it works, and how, when and why it was invented. Next, the team imagines and explores what that technology could be like twenty years from now. Finally, each team prepares an in-depth report that conveys its vision to others. Four teams will receive a first prize of a $10,000 savings bond. Four second prizes are $5,000 each. All winners receive a Toshiba laptop computer. Entries are due February 2, 2010. Information on rules, entry forms, and details of the process are available on the website.
Problems for real scientists
Kids' Science Challenge is a nationwide competition for third to sixth graders to submit experiments or problems for REAL scientists and engineers to solve. Choose one of three science topics: Sports on Mars, Detective Science, or Bio-Inspired Design. Prizes are given in each category. Lesson plans are available for teachers. The contest starts October 1, 2009. Visit the website to download a brochure, register for a mailing list, or find a lesson plan.
What is TEAMS?
TEAMS is an annual theme-based competition giving students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to discover engineering and how they can make a difference in the world. Students work together in groups of four to eight and use the practical applications of math and science to answer engineering questions about everyday world challenges. In the 2010 contest, students will tackle the critical and global need of providing access to one of nature's most vital resources on earth: clean water. Registration opens September 1, 2009, but competitions take place at various sites across the country from February 15 to March 16, 2010. The two levels of competition are: 9th/10th grade and 11th/12th grade. Learn more about the TEAMS competition on the Junior Engineering Technical Society website.
Team America Rocket Challenge
The Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) is the world's largest rocket contest, sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). Teams design, build and fly a model rocket that reaches a specific altitude and duration determined by a set of rules developed each year. The contest is designed to encourage students to study math and science and pursue careers in aerospace. The top 100 teams, based on local qualification flights, are invited to Washington, DC in May for the national finals. Prizes include $60,000 in cash and scholarships split between the top 10 finishers. NASA invites top teams to participate in their Student Launch Initiative, an advanced rocketry program. AIA member companies, such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have sponsored additional prizes such as scholarship money and a trip to an international air show. Registration opens on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Check out the 2010 Team Handbook and Motor List to find out everything needed to participate in TARC this year.
Agents of environmental change
The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge gives students in grades K-8 the opportunity, tools, and inspiration to become agents of change. Middle school student teams from across the country will be challenged to create sustainable, reproducible environmental improvements in their local communities. Top prizes will include a chance to appear on Discovery Network's Planet Green, a share in thousands of dollars in savings bonds, a Discovery Adventure trip, and more. Description, contest criteria, rules, suggested timelines, and prizes are all available on the contest website.
Solve real world problems
The Christopher Columbus Awards are a national, community-based science and technology program for middle school students. The program challenges students to work in teams of three o four with an adult coach to identify a problem in their community and apply the scientific method to create an innovative solution to that problem. Eight finalist teams and their coaches will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World® to attend National Championship Week and compete for valuable U.S. Savings Bonds and the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant, plus a $200 development grant to further refine their idea. Registration must be received by February 8, 2010. Details and registration forms are available on the website.