Spotlight on Sources:
Welcome to Renzulli Learning’s Spotlight on Sources, some of our most engaging resources to excite and inspire your students!
Contests and Competitions are a fantastic way to engage and excite your students about topics you may be covering in the classroom! We have selected some of our favorite contests and competitions to share with you this week!
If you are looking for contests and competitions closer to your area simply search on the Teacher Dashboard. You can search as a teacher, or search as one of your students to find contests and competitions specifically for that student!
To locate these activities within Renzulli Learning:
Under the 'Teach' navigation, click 'Search'.
On the Search page, type in the title of the activity you would like to locate.
For more ideas to infuse enrichment activities with your curriculum, please visit the Unit Supplements on the Teacher Site, under “Teach.” We can also link these enrichment resources to your regular curriculum if you send us a theme or topic.
K-2
PBS Kids Writers Contest
Writing
Do you like to write and draw? In other words, are you an author and an illustrator? For this contest, you will write and illustrate your own story. It can be fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or prose. After you're finished, you can submit it to your local PBS station. If the judges there like your story, it will be entered into a national contest. How cool is that? Check out this past year’s winners and check back for next year’s deadlines!
Wildlife Forever: Fish Art Contest
Science
Combine your scientific thinking, artistic skills, and writing skills to enter a contest about your state fish. Learn about your state fish, draw a picture of it, and write an essay. If this year's deadline has passed, keep checking the website for information on next year's contest.
Creative Communication Poetry Contest
Writing
Do you enjoy writing poetry? Visit this site to find out details as to how to enter your poem into a poetry contest. Winners share thousands in cash and prizes, and there is no entry fee. Some entries will be selected to be published in an anthology created from the contest. There are three contests a year, so any time is a good time to enter! Students in grades K through 12 are eligible.
3-5
PoeticPower: Creative Communication Essay Contest
Writing
Do you love writing nonfiction? This awesome contest is looking for writers like you to write 250 words on any nonfiction topic. The fun part is that you will be competing against other writers your own age, and more than $3,000 is awarded for each contest! Just be sure to stay under 300 words and write your word count at the bottom. Students in grades 4 through 12 are eligible. Good luck!
WordMasters Challenge
Writing
This competition will stretch your reasoning and English language skills. Work as a team with your classmates to learn words and prepare for analogy-solving meets. There are separate divisions for each grade level from grade 3 through grade 8. If this year's deadline has passed, please check the website for next year's contest information.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: President's Environmental Youth Award
Social Action
Awards are given to outstanding environmental projects by youth in grades K-12. Apply to the coordinator of your U.S. region; regional winners are selected. Past projects have ranged from recycling programs in schools and communities to the construction of nature preserves, to student-created videos, skits, and newsletters that focus on environmental issues.
6-9
Jostens Photo Contest
Photography
Photography
Use your camera skills to win this photography contest. Categories include student life, academics, sports, school spirit, open, life in the hallway and middle school/junior high. Once you have the perfect picture, send it in to be judged. Prizes are awarded for first through fifth place for each category, as well as for a grand prize winner. Check out some of the winning entries to see what it takes to win. There are contests for middle school and high school students in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to photography, you'll find contests for yearbook design and online design. If this year's deadline has passed, keep checking the website for next year's contest information.
IEA Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship
Academics
Academics
Are you an exceptionally gifted seventh grader? If you are, then the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship may be yours! This scholarship identifies exceptionally gifted middle school students who have demonstrated academic and personal excellence and awards them with a scholarship to the high school that best meets their academic and personal needs. Scholars receive a full four-year scholarship covering the cost of tuition and books, as well as guidance in choosing an appropriate high school. The scholars become part of a peer network that provides them with the opportunity to communicate with and develop lifelong relationships with other motivated young people.
Teen Ink Environmental Writing Contest
Science
Science
If you have a plan to save the world, Teen Ink wants to hear about it! Just whip out your green pen and share your solution to an environmental problem by writing a persuasive essay. Visit this site to get the rules and guidelines for this contest. Entries may be mailed or emailed. There are no deadlines; entries are accepted throughout the year.
10-12
Duck Brand: Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
Art
Art
You'll be stuck on this contest! Design and create your own prom clothing made completely out of duct tape! This contest's grand prize is a scholarship from Duck Brand duct tape; runners up will receive cash prizes, as well. Show off your creativity by completing your own outfit, or grab a friend and work together designing matching attire. Create a quack-tastic creation! You must be at least 14 years old, and you must attend a school-sanctioned prom during the year when you enter. Get a head start on the competition for the spring!
Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest
Writing
Writing
Students interested in the life and work of Jane Austen will appreciate this contest. Each year, a new topic about one of her novels is provided. High school, college, and post-graduate students are encouraged to submit a six- to eight-page essay based on the listed topic. Refer to the website for more submission details and requirements. If this year's deadline has passed, keep checking the website for next year's contest details.
The Technology Student Association
Technology
Technology
The Technology Student Association is for middle and high school students who have an interest in experimenting with all forms of technology. TSA hosts more than sixty competitions that incorporate communications, construction, manufacturing, transportation, leadership, and related technologies. You can compete statewide and then nationwide at an annual conference. Check the website for updated information about contest deadlines and guidelines.
Thanks for being a part of the Renzulli Learning family and we hope you find these resources helpful.
Your Renzulli Learning Team