DNR Air Quality Bureau Announces Science Contest for Iowa’s Students

Middle and high school students are asked to develop concepts to curb emissions of greenhouse gases in a science contest called “What Would You Do?” sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau. The hope is that participation in this contest will help middle and high school students gain a broader understanding of issues related to climate change.

“We believe that there’s a lot of interest in exploring new ideas that could result in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and we want to showcase the creative and critical thinking of our young people,” explains Mindy Kralicek, air quality information specialist and contest coordinator. “They aren’t as caught up with maintaining lifestyles or traditions and can often think outside of the box in ways adults do not. We expect to see a number of entries that will have us thinking, ‘Ah-ha!’”

Public, private, and home-schooled students may enter as a science classroom, team or club. Concepts may be submitted as PowerPoint presentations, videos, drawings, posters, models, websites, or a narrative. Ideas may address Iowa specifically, an industry such as automobiles or utilities, a product, a process, the nation, or the world. The first 10 entries will receive five general admission tickets to the Science Center of Iowa (SCI), courtesy of SCI.

The top prize for each of three age groupings – 6th and 7th grades, 8th and 9th grades, and 10th, 11th, & 12th grades – is an expense-paid, two-day trip to Springbrook Conservation Education Center, located in Springbrook State Park just north of Guthrie Center. At Springbrook, students gain first-hand experiences in conservation, water quality, landforms, and environmental interrelationships. Activities include archery, hiking, bird banding, kayaking, aquatic life investigation, and water quality study. Springbrook is operated by the DNR.

Contest judges are DNR environmental and energy staff with the air quality and energy bureaus. Entries will be awarded up to 100 points from these categories: application of scientific principles, environmental stewardship, creativity/originality, social awareness/sustainability, and clarity in the presentation of their concept.

The public is invited to view the entries on the DNR website, where they will posted from February 15 through the end of March 2008. The contest entry deadline is February 11, 2008.

For more contest information visit the DNR web site at www.iowadnr.gov/air/citizen/climate/ or contact Mindy Kralicek, Air Quality Information Specialist at (515) 281-7832.