Contests

Abstract

Grants and Awards

The Discovery Research PreK-12 Program (DRK-12) of the National Science Foundation invites proposals that address immediate challenges that are facing PreK-12 STEM education and focus on these research and development strands: (a) assessment, (b) learning, and (c) teaching. While the program recognizes the synergy among the three strands, proposals should identify a clear focus. The program supports six types of projects: exploratory, design and development, impact, implementation and improvement, syntheses, and conferences. All of these six types apply to each of the three DRK-12 strands. Eligible proposers are institutions of higher education, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, state and local governments including K-12 schools, unaffiliated individuals, foreign organizations, and other federal agencies. Grant awards are up to US$450,000 for 3 years, US$3,000,000 for 4 years, and US$5,000,000 for 5 years. Synthesis proposals are up to US$300,000 and 2 years duration. Conference proposals are up to US$100,000 and 1 year duration. Deadline for full proposals are November 13, 2019. For more information, visit https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=500047

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) supports 7-12 Classroom Research Grants. The purpose of this grant is to support and encourage classroom-based research in precollege mathematics education in collaboration with college or university mathematics educators. The proposal may include, but is not restricted to, research on the following topics: curriculum development and implementation, involvement of at-risk students or students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, students’ thinking about a particular mathematics concept or set of concepts, connection of mathematics to other disciplines, focused learning and teaching of mathematics with embedded use of technology, and innovative assessment or evaluation strategies. Proposals must address research design, the plan for collecting and analyzing data, and the anticipated impact on students’ learning. Eligible applicants must be a member of NCTM and mathematics educators or classroom teachers currently teaching mathematics at Grades 7 to 12. The research must be a collaborative effort involving a college or university mathematics educator (a mathematics education researcher or a teacher of mathematics learning, teaching, or curriculum) and one or more classroom teachers (individuals who spend half or more of their work time teaching in the classroom). It may also involve preservice teachers. Grant awards are for a maximum of US$6,000 each. Grant deadline is November 2, 2019. For more information, visit http://www.nctm.org/Grants-and-Awards/Grants/7-12-Classroom-Research-Grants/

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Research Foundation supports projects related to the teaching and learning of language, literacy, and culture. Proposals may focus on underrepresented populations, equity pedagogies, curriculum changes, and examine the effects that changes have on students, school policies, teaching methods, student interaction and learning, community literacy, home–school literacy relationships, after-school programs, student literacy practices in and out of school, and other relevant topics of study. Eligible applicants should be full-time classroom teachers. Proposals are invited from teachers of children and youth at any level, birth through Grade 12. Applicants must be current members of NCTE. Grants are for a maximum of US$3,000 for up to 1 year. Grant proposals are submitted at the NCTE annual convention, which is held each November. For more information, visit http://www.ncte.org/research-foundation/grants/.

Annual Youth Art Contest

The Ned Smith Center in Millersburg, PA, was founded in 1993 to celebrate the works and life of nationally recognized wildlife artist, Ned Smith. The purpose of this scholarship is to inspire the next generation of wildlife artists. Applicants must be enrolled in Grades 1 to 12 during the 2017-2018 school year. The artwork must represent a young, yearling, or baby of any wildlife species in its natural habitat from any part of the world. Entries should measure 9 × 12 inches and should be submitted along with an application form and an US$8 entry fee. First, second, third place prizes and honorable mentions will be awarded a certificate, a ribbon, and additional prizes in each of these categories: first to third grade, fourth to sixth grade, seventh to ninth grade, and 10th to 12th grade. Winning entries are exhibited at the Ned Smith Center during the Nature and Arts Festival as well as the Gratz Fair in Gratz, PA. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2019. For more information, please visit http://www.nedsmithcenter.org/youthartcontest/.

Ocean Awareness Contest

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, Inc., is a nonprofit organization based in Massachusetts that offers award-winning programming to emphasize creative thinking and ocean science. The 2019 contest theme is “Presence of Future,” and the worldwide contest is open to students aged 11 to 18 years. Students aged 11 to 14 will enter the junior division. Students aged 15 to 18 will enter the senior division. Students may submit one entry for each of the following categories: art, poetry, prose, film, and music. A 100- to 250-word written reflection must accompany each submission that describes the inspiration for the work, what was learned, what the student felt, how that affected the student or the work, what was challenging, and what the student wants others to know about the work. Submissions are judged on the following categories: how well it addresses the annual theme of the contest, artistic voice, originality, and imagination, craftsmanship, including quality, technique, attention to detail, and accuracy of communicating issues, and meeting the submission requirements. All submissions must be received by June 17, 2019. Winners can win scholarships of up to US$1,500. Winners can expect their work to be promoted through social media channels and art exhibits, film showings, and the publishing of poetry and writing in various outlets. For more information, please visit https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest/overview/.

Carton 2 Garden Contest

Any public, private, or charter school in the United States is invited to submit an entry in the Evergreen Packaging Carton 2 Garden Contest. Students are encouraged to use their imaginations to repurpose their milk and juice cartons from their cafeteria into a creation that fosters environmental stewardship and focuses on establishing school gardens. The purpose of this contest is so educators can engage students in a hands-on experience, creating teachable moments on environmental stewardship, sustainable packaging, and healthy living. Students can create carton planters, garden art, scarecrows, window boxes, irrigation systems, and more. Entries should include up to 10 photos, an entry form, and a video link. Creativity does count. Fifteen schools with the most unique carton creations will be selected to win award packages. One school will win the grand prize, valued at US$5,000. Four schools will win specialty prizes in different categories: Carton Art in the Garden, Environmental Stewardship, Health & Nutrition, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), valued at US$2,000. Ten schools (including five elementary schools and five middle/high schools) will win prizes valued at US$1,000. Schools can enter for a chance to win one of 15 prizes with a grand prize valued at US$5,000. Entries are due on March 25, 2019. Visit the contest website for the judging rubric, contest rules, and a chance to sign up for periodic tips and reminders to help keep the project on track. For more information, please visit http://carton2garden.com/contest-details/spring-2018-2019-contest/.