Earth Science Week Contest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Whether you’re a seasoned participant or considering joining for the first time, this page is designed to provide you with clear guidance and support. Explore our comprehensive FAQ section to find solutions to your queries, understand the rules, and 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 p.m. ET, Friday, October 18, 2024.

All mailed submission materials (for the visual arts contest ONLY) must be postmarked no later than Friday, October 18, 2024.

Your contest submission is considered incomplete until we receive all of the required items.

How do I submit my contest entry materials?

Photography contest guidelines

First, complete the required Microsoft Form found here.

Then, please email the following materials to contests@americangeosciences.org using the email address you entered in the above Microsoft Form. The subject heading of the email should be “ESW 2024 Photography Contest”.

  • Photos must be submitted electronically as a JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or GIF file. Electronic files must be at least 300 dpi (or 1500 x 1500 pixels).
  • Release form for those under 18 years old:

All photography contest entrants, under the age of 18 years old, must provide a release form signed by the child’s parent or guardian and included in the email to contests@americangeosciences.org. Additionally, any people in the photo, under the age of 18 years old, who can be visibly recognized must also provide a release form signed by the child’s parent or guardian before the entry is submitted.

Download the photography contest release form here

Video contest guidelines

First, complete the required Microsoft Form found here.

Then, please email the following materials to contests@americangeosciences.org using the email address you entered in the above Microsoft Form. The subject heading of the email should be “ESW 2024 Video Contest”

  • Videos must be submitted electronically as a .MOV or .MP4 file. Electronic files must be at least 300 dpi 240p (SD) (or 426x240 pixels) and no larger than 2160p (4K) (or 3840×2160 pixels).

  • Release form for those under 18 years old:

All video contest entrants (individuals or team members), under the age of 18 years old, must provide a release form signed by the child’s parent or guardian and included in the email to contests@americangeosciences.org. Additionally, any people in the video, under the age of 18 years old, who can be visibly recognized must also provide a release form signed by the child’s parent or guardian before the entry is submitted.

Download the video contest release form here

Essay contest guidelines

First, complete the required Microsoft Form found here. Essay submission will be entered in this form.

Then, please email the entrant’s release form signed by a parent or guardian to contests@americangeosciences.org using the email address you entered in the above Microsoft Form. The subject heading of the email should be “ESW 2024 Essay Contest”.

Download the essay contest release form here

Visual arts contest guidelines

Please mail the following submission materials to:

Earth Science Week 2024 Visual Arts Contest
American Geosciences Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302-1502

  1. A two-dimensional (flat) visual arts project no larger than 24 x 36 inches, dealing with the topic “Putting the ART in eARTh Science”.

  2. The entrant’s personal information and a one- to two-sentence description in English, of what the image demonstrates and how it connects to the visual arts contest topic, printed on the back of the visual arts project. The entrant’s personal information should match what appears on the release form:

    • First and last name
    • Description of artwork

  3. A release form signed by a parent or guardian. For the visual arts contest, the release form can either be included in the mailed in package or submitted electronically. If submitted electronically, please email the form to contests@americangeosciences.org. The subject heading of the email should be “ESW 2024 Visual Arts Contest”.

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.

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