Earth Science Week Contest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Whether you’re a returning participant or entering an Earth Science Week contest for the first time, this page is designed to provide you with clear guidance and support to ensure a smooth and enjoyable contest experience. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for personalized assistance.
When is the deadline?
All electronic requirements for Earth Science Week contests must be received by 8:00 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026.
For the Visual Arts Contest, mailed artwork must be postmarked no later than Friday, October 16, 2026.
A contest entry is not considered complete until all required materials have been received.
How do I submit my contest entry materials?
All contest participants must first complete the required Microsoft Form for the contest they are entering.
Additional submission materials should be submitted according to the instructions below.
Photography contest guidelines
After completing the Microsoft Form, email the following materials to contests@americangeosciences.org using the same email address provided in your form.
Use the subject line: ESW 2026 Photography Contest
Submit:
- One original photograph related to the contest theme.
- Any required release forms.
Photographs should be submitted as a JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or GIF file.
Entrants under age 18 must submit a release form signed by a parent or guardian. If any recognizable person under age 18 appears in the photograph, that individual’s parent or guardian must also provide a signed release form.
Download the Photography Contest release form here.
Video contest guidelines
After completing the Microsoft Form, email the following materials to contests@americangeosciences.org using the same email address provided in your form.
Use the subject line: ESW 2026 Video Contest
Submit:
- One original video related to the contest theme.
- Any required release forms.
Videos should be submitted as an MP4 or MOV file.
Entrants under age 18, including all members of a team, must submit a release form signed by a parent or guardian. If any recognizable person under age 18 appears in the video, that individual’s parent or guardian must also provide a signed release form.
Download the Video Contest release form here
Essay contest guidelines
After completing the Microsoft Form, email the entrant’s release form to contests@americangeosciences.org using the same email address provided in your form.
Use the subject line: ESW 2026 Essay Contest
Essays should be submitted according to the instructions provided on the Essay Contest webpage.
Students under age 18 must submit a release form signed by a parent or guardian.
Download the essay contest release form here
Visual arts contest guidelines
Artwork may be submitted electronically or by mail.
Electronic Submission
Email the following materials to contests@americangeosciences.org using the same email address provided in your form.
Use the subject line: ESW 2026 Visual Arts Contest
Submit:
- A clear scan or high-quality photograph of the artwork.
- A completed release form.
Electronic images should clearly show the entire artwork and should be submitted in a high-quality format.
Mailed Submission
Mail original artwork to:
Earth Science Week 2026 Visual Arts Contest
American Geosciences Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302-1502
Please include:
- Entrant’s first and last name.
- A brief description of the artwork and how it connects to the contest theme.
- A completed release form.
Students may submit the release form electronically or include it with mailed artwork.
Download the Visual Arts contest release form here
How will the entries be judged?
Earth Science Week contest submissions will be judged by a panel of geoscientists on creativity, presentation, quality of technical features, and, most importantly, relevance to and incorporation of the contest’s topic.
Are AI-generated entries allowed?
No. Earth Science Week contests celebrate original creativity and student or entrant-created work.
Entries must represent the authentic work of the participant. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate, create, or substantially modify contest submissions is not permitted.
Entries may be disqualified if they include AI-generated content, plagiarism, or other work that does not represent the entrant’s original ideas, skills, or creativity.
Please review the individual contest guidelines for additional requirements.
What are the prizes?
The selected entry will win $300 and a copy of an AGI publication. The winner’s and finalists’ names and entries will be posted on the Earth Science Week website. No cash substitution for prizes will be permitted, and prizes are nontransferable.
AGI will make a reasonable effort to award prizes to international entrant(s), subject to laws, restrictions, and practicalities of international postage and fund transfers.
Decisions of AGI staff regarding all aspects of the contest including suitability of entries, eligibility for judging, contest schedule, number of entries accepted, awarding of prizes, and all other aspects of the contest are at the discretion of AGI staff.
Have a question that was not answered?
If you have a question or need help with a submission, please contact us at contests@americangeosciences.org