Citizen Writer Contest (Deadline: April 30)

Reading Rockets and AdLit.org's new writing contest, Citizen Writer, offers writing prompts with connections to civics, citizenship, and our communities. We want students to think and learn more about America's people, places, and ideals as they write. Prize winners will have their work published on ReadingRockets.org and AdLit.org and will receive a gift basket of age-appropriate books and a personalized certificate.

Civil War Student challenge - prcatice or register now

HISTORY® and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt invite high school students to compete for scholarships in the National Civil War Student Challenge as part of the commemoration of the Civil War's Sesquicentennial this April.
The National Civil War Student Challenge is a timed online competition that will test a student's knowledge of this pivotal chapter of American history—over $30,000 in college scholarships will be awarded to the top-scorers. The Challenge takes place online from April 7-9; students can register today.

VANISHED: Smithsonian's online mystery starts April 4

Students can spend 8 weeks solving an online mystery

http://vanished.mit.edu/

A mystery is brewing at the Smithsonian Institution, and the scientists there want the help of the nation’s middle schoolers to solve it. Children and teens aged 11–14 can get involved in uncovering the mystery in Vanished, an online science-fiction interactive mystery event that starts April 4.

Students can sign up for the event, conducted by the Smithsonian and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at The Education Arcade. The mystery, which is unveiled during the course of the eight-week event, involves a fictitious environmental disaster. Each week, participants will get clues online that will allow them to come up with hypotheses about the cause that can be tested, debated and refined.

As part of the event, players get an assist from real-world Smithsonian scientists in areas such as forensic anthropology, paleobiology, and entomology. Scientists will have videoconferences online, and participants can send them questions that will be answered in real time. Students will be asked to collect real data, such as documenting a species in their neighborhood. They can upload pictures to the Web site and compare their finds with field guides. Some players near 20 or so Smithsonian-affiliated museums can find clues inside.

Clues can also be gathered from several games that will be available on the site. As players participate, they will gain achievement points, just as in video games.

Bugging Artist Contes (thru Feb. 8th)

Insectropolis is accepting entries for its Bugging Artist Competition.

Contest is open to all artists ages 5 - 12 and there is no fee to enter. Entries must be original, flat artwork inspired by bugs and received by Feb 8, 2011. All entrants will receive a free visitors pass to visit the bug museum.

First prizewinners in all age categories will win a Bug Bash at Insectropolis valued at $225.
All winning artwork will be displayed during March 2011 in celebration of Youth Art Month.
For details and official rules and conditions, please email diane@insectropolis.com

or call 732-349-7090. Insectropolis :: 1761 Route 9 :: Toms River, New Jersey 08755

2010 Torrance Legacy Creative Writing Awards

DESCRIPTION: Students are encouraged and invited to submit their finest creative work to help celebrate the great legacy of educator and creativity pioneer Dr. E. Paul Torrance, author of more than 2,000 tests, articles, and books.

ACCEPTED GENRES: Poetry submissions may respond to either The Celebration Of Life or What Do You See In Life And How Do You Respond To It?

Short stories may focus on one of the following creative themes: Building Sand Castles, Crossing Out Mistakes or Listening For Smells. Students are encouraged to freely interpret these themes. Please note that there is a 1,250 word limit for stories. There is no prescribed word limit for poems. Students are free to submit one short story and one poem. But students may not submit multiple poems or stories.

http://www.ststesting.com/cw_2010.html

Participate in America The Story of Us contests!

America The Story of Us
Premieres Sunday, April 25th at 9/8c

America The Story of Us is an exciting 12 part series premiering on HISTORY on April 25th at 9/8c. Each episode focuses on the ways everyday Americans harnessed technology to advance human progress, from the rigors of early settlement to the construction of the transcontinental railroad to the Apollo 13 moon landing.

HISTORY has developed an extensive education outreach program connected to America The Story of Us, including curriculum guides, contests, and a live webcast. Visit us online to learn how you can participate.

HISTORY is pleased to be working with the President’s Committee for the Arts and the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services on library and student contests. A contest for teachers to submit innovative lesson plans is also underway!

Students- create a short video about an American or local history topic ($25,000 in prizes will be awarded)
Libraries- develop an exhibit or media project based on an American history topic or theme ($35,000 in prizes will be awarded.)
Teachers- submit an innovative American history lesson plan ($20,000 in prizes will be awarded)

Stay tuned to www.history.com/classroom for more information about a free live webcast produced with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on Thursday, May 6th!

HISTORY is also offering a DVD of America The Story of Us to every school in America. For more info about this offer, visit us at www.history.com/america-dvd - including homeschoolers

View the teacher's guide

• Library Outreach Contest
• Teacher Contest: Innovation in History Education
• Student Video Contest
• Family Viewing Guide
• Classroom Activity Guide

If you have questions email us at america@aetn.com