Submission Categories
What problem facing our community do you want to help solve? For what issue do you want to raise awareness? What's gonna blow their minds? In past events, winners have investigated whether vegans have a sense of humor, and developed software in an attempt to pass the Turing Test. Here's your chance to make 'em think, make 'em laugh, and make a lasting impression. Our categories follow the STEAM! rubric, according to the NGSS Scientific and Engineering Practices & Crosscutting Concepts plus an additional topic.
This year our special category is conservation in the urban environment! Any projects addressing urban environmental issues will be considered for the grand prize. Participants may submit to this and one other category when registering.
PRIZES
All category winners will receive:
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A plaque designed by Escuela Verde students.
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Entrance into the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Youth Summit (event occurs in April).
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Reserved spot for the Wisconsin Youth Water Stories Summit (event occurs in August).
Grand Prize winner will receive the above and a one-of-a-kind trophy designed by a local artist like the one shown below.
This project asked if gymnosperm or angiosperm trees were warmer. They entered into the technology category since they used an infrared thermometer and a handheld weather station to collect their data.
Science: Sustainable communities
Asking questions (for science); Constructing explanations (for science)
Where can we do better? What methods can we employ to cut down on our carbon footprints? Employ the scientific method to show us new and interesting ways of making our community more sustainable, in any aspect of our lives.
Technology: Use the right tool
Engaging in argument from evidence; Planning and carrying out investigations
Think about where we were 10 years ago, right when the iPhone was still new. Now think about where we'll be in 2029. What's on the horizon, and how will it make our lives better? Share your vision of the world to come.
Engineering: Solutions-based design
Defining problems (for engineering) and designing solutions (for engineering)
Design a better community with outcomes that benefit as many of your neighbors as possible. From city planning to civil engineering, we want to see how you'll solve problems and overcome hurdles for an improved society.
Art: Science is beautiful
Developing and using models; patterns
Both science and art are about creating a language that interprets the world around us that can be understood by others. Let's see how scientific insights and discoveries manifest themselves with your artistic take. Bonus points if you solve a problem or discover something new along the way.
Math: Driven by data
Analyzing and interpreting data; Using mathematics and computational thinking
Numbers can tell a compelling scientific story. Collect data to give us an idea about what's happening and maybe even why. Put your theories to the test and get objective, hard numbers that demonstrate what's going on around us.
!: Weird science
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information; Systems and system models
Have an idea that's a little removed from our STEAM categories? Let's get weird. Be sure your experiment is rooted in the scientific method with empirical research... but go nuts. No idea is too far out there or crazy.
Conservation in the Urban Environment
Grand Prize Category
This year's rotating category! How does your playground affect rainwater run off or how do you feel about being outside? What about your backyard garden? We want to learn about how you connect with Milwaukee!
Submissions may be entered into this and one other category.