Teacher & Student Opportunities

2008 AAAS/Subaru Essay Writing Competition

K-12 Teachers!
The AAAS/Subaru Essay Writing Competition offers K-12 teachers the opportunity to share their knowledge on designing science lesson plans and integrating technology into the classroom. Now in its sixth year, the competition seeks entries submitted by teachers from the United States and Canada that describe methods for teaching science effectively and creatively. Awards will be presented on 16 February at the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston.

Don't miss this opportunity. Share your knowledge today!

The best essays earn:

• A deluxe package to the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston, MA, that includes registration fees and general expenses.

• An opportunity to submit essays for publication.

• A one-year subscription to Science Books and Films review journal (SB&F).

Don't miss this opportunity. Share your knowledge today!

Awards

• A full passport registration to the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston, MA.

• A stipend for travel-related expenses to the AAAS Annual Meeting.

• A free subscription to Science Books and Films—a teacher's guide to science resources for all ages.

• Total prize not to exceed $500.

• Contestants are responsible for all additional costs related to attending the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting that exceeds the $500 limit.

Benefits

• Recognition at the Annual Meeting as one of ten winners of the 2008 AAAS/Subaru Essay Writing Competition.

• An opportunity to publish your winning submission on Science NetLinks and SB&F.

• Participation in the AAAS/Subaru photo session. A photo of the ten finalists and Subaru representatives will be taken during the annual meeting.

Be sure to check out last year's winners.

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Judges and Criteria

A team of evaluators from AAAS will serve as the judging panel for this contest. Judges' decisions are based on the following criteria:

Essay Components:

• Title

• Topic
  Essay should address one of the following topics:

  • Topic 1: Given a particular science concept, how would you differentiate instruction for different audiences/students, including the following considerations: disability/special education; gifted; English language learners; reading levels. Clearly state the age group served and science topic.
  • Topic 2: Describe how your students' understanding of a specific science concept has improved as a result of integrating technology into your instruction. Include evidence of improved student performance.
  • Topic 3: Describe an experience that you have provided in your classroom that has accomplished one or more of the following:
    • enhanced students' conceptual understanding, skills, and attitudes;
    • employed nontraditional means to make science interesting;
    • addressed science using an interdisciplinary context; or
    • supported student inquiry in the science classroom.
• Essay
  • Clear, coherent, and well developed
  • Minimal typos and grammatical errors
  • 1500 words or less

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