Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science International Science and Essay Contest, 2017

Welcome to the 2017 International Science and Essay Contest! This contest is open to any student in grades 9-12 interested in science and writing.

This year’s prompt: Carl Sagan once said “Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere.” The field of science consists of a continual flow of novel ideas that either fail to make progress or come to fruition. Discuss a modern innovation in the STEM that can potentially have a large-scale impact on society in the near future, but is currently in the early stages of development. Be sure to not only discuss the advantages this novel advancement may provide but also the obstacles or downsides impeding it a success in the present day.

Please review the following rules and guidelines before submitting:

1. Submissions will be accepted between April 14, 2017, and October 5, 2017
2. A complete submission consists of
   • An essay between 1500-2000 words, with references in APA format
     • Essays should present a relatively deep knowledge on the subject they discuss, conveyed in a way that can be understood by the general public
   • A signed endorsement by a sponsoring teacher, which can be found at this link, and submitted as a .pdf
   • All submissions must be in .doc or .docx format

Judging

1. Judging will be completed by members of the Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science
2. Scores will be decided based on 4 equally weighted criteria
   • Understanding of STEM topic (25%)
   • Writing style and quality (25%)
   • Originality (25%)
   • Use of reputable sources (25%)
   • Each essay will be scored twice
     • First round: 1 judge, style and understanding emphasized
     • Second round: 3 judges, all factors equally important

Prizes

1. Three winners will be selected to be published in our Spring 2018 issue
   • All 3 winners will also receive a free copy of the issue
2. In addition, cash prizes are awarded:
   • First-place:  $500
   • Second-place: $250
   • Third-place: $100

Questions? Contact us at dujs-at-dartmouth.edu

Submissions

1. Each participant is limited to 1 entry.
2. Submissions should email to dujs-at-dartmouth.edu
   • Do not mail in submissions
   • Label your essay: LastName_FirstName_Topic_ISEC
   • Label your submission form: LastName_FirstName_ISEC

Scholarship Link