Finastic Friday: Giving Sharks a Voice Kids will raise their voices to help save unsung ocean heroes: sharks. Held on May 11, Fintastic Friday: Giving Sharks a Voice is a collaborative effort of two nonprofit organizations to raise awareness of the worldwide plight of sharks and get students involved—perhaps by writing an essay about sharks.
Endangered Species Day This annual national event (held on the third Friday in May) emphasizes the importance of protecting threatened/endangered plant/animal species and to highlight success stories of species recovery. Visit the website for activity ideas for in and out of the classroom, including essay and art lessons, discussions about endangered species, guest speakers, a poster activity (with some students’ art to be displayed later), and field trips.
The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™ (officially recognized by the U.S. EPA) has engaged thousands of young people from around the world in environmental cleanup and conservation projects. This program and competition is designed to encourage youth to get involved in protecting the wild lands and waters that sustain Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems by working together on wilderness stewardship and conservation efforts. Three scholarships totaling $850 will be awarded annually to the authors of the top Apprentice Ecologist essays. The winning author will also receive a personalized crystal award. Applications are due by December 31, 2011.
NSTA Faraday Science Communicator Award The award winner will receive recognition at the Awards Banquet during the NSTA National Conference; an all-expense-paid trip (up to $2,500) to attend the conference; recognition in NSTA publications and the opportunity to participate in a poster session during the conference. The individual will not be a classroom teacher, but will work in, or have developed, a compatible setting for science communication: museum, nature center, zoo, state park, aquarium, radio, television, internet, or other science-rich institutions or media. The individual may also be connected to a science setting through his or her involvement with civic organizations and child-education facilities: PreK child-development centers, 4-H clubs, Girl and Boy Scouts, Girls and Boys Clubs of America. Deadline is November 30, 2011.
