4-H Fun with Science Festival
OFFICIAL ESSAY CONTEST RULES
IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ ALL OF THE CONTEST RULES. Entries that do not adhere strictly to
these rules and guidelines will not be judged.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: All submissions must be the work of a current 5th grade student.
All essays must be postmarked by February 1st. Essays submitted must include a registration
form along with the $2.00 entrance fee. Essays should be typed using 12 point font, double
space, and have a minimum 1.0” margin.
WORD COUNT: Essays should be between 250 – 500 words on one of the following topics:
 Wind Mills and how they work
 Effects of wind on the earth surface and atmosphere
 What footprints do we leave behind for future generations
RESEARCH IS REQUIRED: While this is a creative writing project, research must be an integral
element of the writing process. Essays must contain a Reference Page, citing all materials used
in the research and writing of the essay. Students should use 3-5 sources in their essay.
JUDGING: Entries will be judged anonymously. Submissions that adhere to the guidelines will
be judged with special attention to the attached score sheet.
AUTHOR OF ESSAY: Each essay must be the work of one student and may not be the collective
work of more than one student. By submitting an essay, applicants are certifying that their
essay is an original, authored solely by the applicant, and that in writing their essay, they did
not plagiarize or otherwise infringe upon the rights of any third parties.
NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: The authors of the top ten essays will be notified to attend the 4H Fun with Science Festival, Saturday, February 23, 2013 to answer questions on their essay.
Student’s answers will not be judged, only used as verification of the students’ research on the
topic area. Winners will be announced at 4-H Fun with Science Festival, Saturday, February 23,
2013.
ENTRY FORM - PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Essays cannot be considered without this form.
STUDENT: Print Full Name__________________________________________________
Are you in the fifth grade or its equivalent? _____Yes
_____No
Age ______
Home address _______________________________________________________________
City ________________________________ State ____________ Zip __________
Family Telephone Number: Home________________ Work/Cell _____________________
Parent's E-mail: _______________________________________________________________
Do you attend school? ____ Yes ____ No
Are you home schooled? _____Yes _____ No
Name of school______________________________________________________________
County__________________________________
Print your teacher's name______________________________________________________
Essay Topic Chosen______________________________________________________
SIGN BELOW to verify that the essay is completely the student's own work; he/she copied nothing.
Student’s own signature______________________________________________
Parent’s name, printed_______________________________________________
Parent’s signature:__________________________________________________
TEACHER/PARENT: STAPLE THIS ENTRY FORM TO THE FRONT OF THE ESSAY
Be sure that the student's name does not appear on the essay page.
Teachers: Be sure to postmark all essays by February 1, 2013 to:
4-H Fun with Science Festival
750 S. Perry Street, Suite 400
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
4-H Fun with Science Festival
Essay Contest Score Sheet
Judging Criteria
Relation to Topic
Selected
Maximum Points
Awarded
25 points
Supporting Research
25 points
Organization of
Subject Matter Logical Arrangement
of Thoughts
15 points
Organization of
Subject Matter Originality
Language – Effective
Words and Sentences
15 points
Language - Grammar,
Spelling, Punctuation
10 points
Total Points
100 points
Judges Comments:
10 points
Contestant Points