A science project and essay competition for Grades 7-12 based on their own investigation and research ‘to promote participation and communication in science’.

...This competition taps into kids' enthusiasm and vigour for discovery and provides a forum for some astonishingly accomplished writing. It is the perfect introduction to a lifetime of asking questions and independent research into finding out the answers.

• The competition is sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History.
• It is open to students from grades 7-12 in the United States, Canada, U.S. Territories or U.S. citizens in a U.S.-sponsored school abroad.
• The theme each year is: 'Scientific Discovery Begins with Expeditions!': students must choose an expedition location where they can explore their chosen topic.
• Students carry out their research - keeping a journal and log-book for observations, collecting data, carrying out experiments, taking photographs etc. – and then write it up and submit their project.
• The website provides very clear guidelines both for individuals; and also for teachers who wish to encourage their students to enter; or use it as the goal for a class/ club project.
• Essays are judged both for content in terms of the science carried out and the quality of the essay itself, as well as presentation.  Judges are looking for a personal voice emerging through the writing alongside ‘strong, solid, and thorough science’.
• Two ‘scholarship awards’ are given to students in each year group, with a total value of $16,500.  A further maximum of 36 finalists each receive a certificate and $50 prize; and certificates are awarded to up to 300 semi-finalists, along with a non-cash prize.
• The twelve winners’ teachers also receive a set of books for their classrooms.
• The winning essays going back to 1998 make fascinating reading and provide a great resource for teachers to show students the work of their contemporaries.

Young Naturalist Awards Administrator
National Center for Science Literacy, Education, and Technology
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024-5192

Tel: 212-496-3498

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