Presented by the Houston Geological Society, Consumer Energy Alliance-Energy Day, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science Energy Conservation Club

Art Contest: “Making Maps Through the Ages”
Grades K-5

Throughout history, Earth scientists — or "geoscientists" — have made maps showing the locations of land, water, air, and living things. Even today they chart the stars, the seas, and their communities in a variety of ways. Imagine that you are a map maker, either now or in the past. How would you make a map? What tools would you use? Use artwork to show yourself as an Earth scientist making a map.

Essay Contest: "How Geoscientists Use Maps"
Grades 6-9

Land, water, air, and living things have impacts on each other. To understand these effects, Earth scientists chart interactions among the Earth systems — the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. How do geoscientists use maps to monitor these interactions? How do maps help us meet challenges and maximize opportunities in areas such as energy, agriculture, the environment, natural disasters, and community planning? Write a brief essay explaining how Earth scientists create and use maps to improve our lives.

Media/Photography Contest: "Mapping Your Community"
All Ages

We put our world into maps, and we take our maps all over the world. You might be traveling, building a home, irrigating a garden, digging for coal, erecting wind towers, or designing a hurricane shelter — you use maps to do so many things. Earth scientists study natural processes to help make those maps. In a photograph, show how maps are used in your community.

Teachers: Discuss and show your students different types of maps. Orient them to the legend and other map features to help them understand what information is being conveyed with each type of map. Discuss the use of maps and where they can be found.

ENTRY DEADLINE: Monday, October 7, 2013. Gifts and cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place entries in each category.

Winners and teachers will be invited to receive their awards at the Consumer Energy Alliance Energy Day in celebration of Earth Science Week on October 19, 2013.

Curriculum resources for teachers and students can be found at http://ecc.hmns.org.

Teachers! FREE earth science teaching toolkits from the American Geosciences Institute will be available for pickup on Saturday, October 12 (10am-2pm) at the Houston Museum of Natural Science-Family Energy Festival. Please email us to reserve a copy: esw.hgs@gmail.com.

Art , Essay, and Photography Contests
Submission Rules

A valid submission MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING :

1. Original, Unpublished Artwork, Essay, or Photograph.
• Each must be original, authentic, unpublished, the sole property and work of the entrant. Copy written or reproduced material from the internet (including social media) may not be used.
• Each entry must conform to age group and dimensions as specified below.

2. CONTACT INFORMATION as outlined below (this information must appear on the back of the entry).

Entrant First and Last name
Name of School and Teacher
School Address with Zip Code (or personal address if not submitting through a school)
Teacher Phone Number
Teacher E-mail Address
For Art and Photography entries: supply a one- to two-sentence description explaining your entry.

3. A completed and signed entry form. Print out the entry form and submit it with your entry. Entries cannot be accepted without a signed entry form (supplied).
*For photography entries: If a person under 18 appears in the photograph, the parental consent line on the entry form must be signed by the child’s parent or guardian.

DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM HERE

Format Rules:

Art Entry: Grades K-5 only
Artwork dimensions: 2 dimensional (flat) project no larger than 8 ½ inches x 14 inches.

Essay entry: Grades 6-9 only
Essay length: Typed essay of no more than 300 words. Entry may be submitted electronically in MS Word or .pdf format to esw.hgs@gmail.com. A scanned copy of the entry form plus contact information must accompany all electronic submissions. Please put 2013 HGS Contest in the subject line.

Media/ Photography Entry: All ages
Formats may include any of the following .ppt, .pdf , .jpg, .gif. or .tiff formats. Print photographs no larger than 8 ½ inches by 11 inches may be mailed to the address below. Entry may be submitted electronically to esw.hgs@gmail.com. A scanned copy of the entry form plus contact information must accompany all electronic submissions. Please put 2013 ESW Contest in the subject line.

IMPORTANT-PLEASE READ:
DEADLINE: All entries must be received by Monday October 7, 2013.
**Entries received after that date will not have time to be considered**
• Winners will be notified via teacher or personal email address and/ or phone number.
• Please include a brief memo listing school and teacher contact information.
• Please specify whether you would like entries to be returned to you at the completion of the contest.

Mail entries to:

Houston Geological Society
c/o Earth Science Week Committee
14811 St. Marys Lane Suite 250
Houston, TX 77079

Direct questions to esw.hgs@gmail.com

Awards and Recognition

Winners will be selected and notified via their teachers or personal contact information in October, 2013. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded in each category. Winners names will be announced publically through update to the HGS website and social media accounts during that same week. First, second, and third place winners, their families and their teachers will be invited to a public award presentation at the Consumer Energy Alliance Energy Day on October 19, 2013. Winning entries will be displayed at the Consumer Energy Alliance Energy Day on October 19, 2013. They will also be published on the websites and print media of the Houston Geological Society (HGS) the Houston Museum of Natural Science Energy Conservation Club (ECC), and the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA).

Winners and their teachers will receive awards and cash prizes provided by the Consumer Energy Alliance sponsors.

Awards:
1st place in each category will receive a trophy and $250
2nd place in each category will receive a trophy and $150
3rd place in each category will receive a trophy and $50
Teachers will receive matching cash awards as well as teaching materials for the classrooms. Schools will be recognized with certificates of merit.

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