This contest is in association with Dr. Mark Holtzapple’s presentation entitled “Energy in Our World: Today and Tomorrow”. Dr. Holtzapple will be the keynote speaker at the 2013 Texas A&M University Chapter of Sigma Xi’s Awards and Induction Banquet on May 24th, 2013 in room 2406 of the Memorial Student Center at the Texas A&M University Campus. (View directions to the Banquet)
       The contest is sponsored by the Texas A&M University Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Research Society (http://sigmaxi.tamu.edu) which focuses on recognizing, encouraging, and promoting research among scientific scholars. To promote science and honor young scholars, two (2) separate contests are being hosted that students may enter: a Drawing Contest and an Essay Contest. Middle school students (6th-8th grades) are invited to submit entries in one or both competitions.

Introduction to Energy:
       According to Richard Smalley, Nobel Prize winning physicist and chemist, the top ten problems of humanity are energy, water, food, environment, poverty, terrorism/war, disease, education, democracy, and population. All of these issues can be addressed with energy that is clean, affordable, and abundant. World Bank data records that the United States is currently dependent on fossil fuels for 84% of its energy consumption. We will one day run out of fossil fuels, and they are often a relatively inefficient source of energy. Therefore, there is an ever-increasing need for alternative sources and methods of energy. Currently, these alternative sources include wind, solar, biomass, hydropower, and geothermal energy.
For this contest, analyze how we are affected by energy, and think of ways to create new energy or save energy. Consider the main forms of alternative energy in use today (wind, solar, biomass, hydropower, and geothermal).

Drawing Contest:

Drawing Contest Description: Based on the information you have obtained from web sites listed below or elsewhere, use your imagination to visualize and illustrate your energy invention. This can be a new way to create or save energy. Keep in mind the existing forms of alternative energy: wind, solar, biomass, hydropower, and geothermal, but remember to be creative and to think outside of the box; most inventions and discoveries come from sources that people wouldn’t normally expect. This drawing can involve dialogue or not.  It is up to you. Just make sure it is well thought out and well executed.

Drawing Rules: ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED ON PAPER NO LARGER THAN 8.5’’X 11’. CREATE A DRAWING USING COLORED PENCILS, MARKERS, PAINT, OR INK. NO COMPUTER DRAWN IMAGES WILL BE ACCEPTED. DO NOT INCLUDE GLITTER OR OTHER MATERIALS THAT MAY BECOME DETACHED.

INCLUDE THE STUDENT’S NAME, AGE, GRADE, SCHOOL, TEACHER’S NAME, AND TEACHER’S CONTACT INFORMATION ON THE BACK OF THE DRAWING.

Below, we have provided four examples of pictures that could give you ideas. These pictures creatively show possible methods and uses of alternative energy. These are Google images, which we found on the internet. However, it is not acceptable in this contest to copy an image from the internet or any other source or use computer drawn images! We are seeking “your” idea and image, not one that has already been created by others! Let your imagination guide you!

Essay Contest:

Essay Description: In the world we live in, it is easy to forget just how dependent we are on obtaining and using energy for our day to day activities. Using information you have obtained from the web sites listed below or elsewhere, describe your life in a world where abundant and affordable energy is no longer available. You can be creative with how you format this, but be clear and specific when you are directly addressing energy concerns. While the essay is about the future, it should ultimately promote energy conservation and awareness today. Make sure you back up your argument with scientific knowledge and research about energy usage and cite your sources.

Essay Rules:  ALL ENTRIES MUST BE AT LEAST 300 WORDS LONG AND NO LONGER THAN 800 WORDS. THE ENTRY MAY BE HAND WRITTEN LEGIBLY OR TYPED.

INCLUDE THE STUDENT’S NAME, AGE, GRADE, SCHOOL, TEACHER’S NAME, AND TEACHER’S CONTACT INFORMATION ON THE FIRST PAGE OF THE ESSAY.  

General Information:

Eligibility and Due Dates:
These two contests are open to all 6th-8th grade students. They may enter one or both of the contests if they wish. Only one entry in each category per student will be accepted. All entries are due in the office of Dr. Larry Johnson no later than April 15, 2013. Entries will be judged by a panel of Texas A&M University students. Teachers of winners will be notified April 29th, 2013. They will be recognized on May 24th, 2013 before the Sigma Xi Awards Banquet, featuring Dr. Mark Holtzapple’s lecture on “Energy and Our World: Today and Tomorrow.”

References:

http://research.che.tamu.edu/groups/Holtzapple/

http://www.eia.gov/kids/index.cfm

http://www.kids.esdb.bg/index.html

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/energy/great-energy-challenge/

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/biofuel-profile/

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/kids/renergy.html

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.USE.COMM.FO.ZS/countries

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.USE.COMM.KT.OE/countries