Science without Borders Challenge 2016

What is Science without Borders Challenge 2016?

Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation’s Science without Borders® Challenge is an international art competition that engages students to promote the need to preserve, protect, and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources.

The Science without Borders® Challenge was created to get students and teachers interested in ocean conservation through various forms of art. This annual contest inspires students to be creative while learning about important ocean conservation issues. The SWB Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old, with scholarships of up to $500 awarded to the winning entries.

The deadline for entry into this year’s Science without Borders® Challenge is Monday, April 25, 2016.

Who can apply for this scholarship ?

This international art competition is open to all students 11-19 years old. Students must be enrolled in primary or secondary school. College and university students are not eligible for this contest. Work will be judged in two categories, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded for each:

•  11 – 14 year-olds
•  15 – 19 year-olds

How can you apply ?

Contestants must submit an entry form with their submission. All fields on the entry form must be filled out in order to be considered for awards. All original artwork should be mailed to: Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Science Without Borders® Challenge 130 Severn Avenue, Suite 100 Annapolis, MD 21403 The deadline is Monday, April 25, 2016 by 5 pm (Eastern Standard Time). All artwork must be received by this date.

FAQs

Q: Where do I send my art?
A: Please send all art to Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, Science withoutBorders® Challenge, 130 Severn Avenue, Suite 100, Annapolis, MD 21403 USA.

Q: What is the deadline?
A: All submissions must be received by April 25, 2016.

Q: Does the deadline mean I should have it mailed by then (i.e., postmarked)?
A: No, the deadline is the last day we will accept artwork arriving at our office.

Q: Do I really have to write a description?
A:Yes, many previous Challenge winners have beaten other finalists simply because they had a better description. The description may be the difference between you getting third or fourth place, or even being considered a finalist at all. For more information about how we score your submission, please see the grading rubric.

Q: Can I just copy information for my description from a website that I used for inspiration?
A: No, plagiarism is grounds for disqualification. Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s work, either word-for-word or with the ideas in the same order. All descriptions must be in your own words.

Q: I do not live in the USA, do I need to fill out the COPPA form?
A: All entries for students under the age of 13, regardless of location, must complete a COPPA form or they will not be eligible for the contest.

Q: Will I get my art back?
A: No, all submissions are considered property of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. Digital copies of finalists’ work will be posted on our website.

Q: How will I know if I win?
A: We will contact entrants through email when the Challenge has been completed. Also, results will be posted on our webpage and social media pages.
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/livingoceansfoundation
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/LivingOceansFdn
• Google+: www.plus.google.com/+LivingoceansfoundationOrg
• Website: www.lof.org/SWBchallenge

Q: Why do you need so many email addresses (e.g., parent/guardian, teacher)?
A: We previously had trouble contacting entrants, either because their email address was illegible or incorrectly written. By providing multiple email addresses, we are assured to have a way to contact you.

Q: Can anyone enter the Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: Anyone in any part of the world who is between the ages of 11 and 19 and enrolled in primary or secondary school may enter. College and university students are not eligible for this contest. If you are 11 or 12 years old, make sure that you submit the COPPA form to be eligible.

Q: What size should my artwork be?
A: Artwork should be a minimum of 11” x 14” (28 x 35 cm) and a maximum of 20” x 30” (51 x 76 cm).

Q: What if you get my artwork mixed up with someone else?
A: Please be sure to write your name, in pencil, on the BACK of your artwork so this does not happen.

Q: Can I make a sculpture?
A: No, all submissions must be two dimensional.

Q: Can I submit more than one piece of art?
A: No, only one submission per student, please.

Q: What if I don’t fill out all of the paperwork?
A: You may be disqualified if we do not have all of the information that we need.

Q: What do I get if I win?
A: 1st Place: $500 scholarship; 2nd Place: $350 scholarship; 3rd Place: $200 scholarship

Q: Do I have to fill out the form online?
A: No, you may print, fill out by hand, and mail the paperwork with your artwork. Please be sure that your writing is legible – if we cannot read your handwriting, then we will not be able to contact you.

Q: Why do I have to put my teacher down?
A: We want to be able to inform and thank the school for contest winners. It provides us with another point of contact in case we have trouble getting ahold of you or your parent/guardian. It can be an art teacher, science teacher, or another teacher.

Q: I’m over 18, do I have to put down my parent/guardian information?
A: Yes, we need multiple points of contact, so we are assured to get ahold of you.

Q: I am a teacher, can I submit work for my students?
A: Yes, we encourage teacher submissions! Be sure each entry has the name of the artist written in pencil on the back of it. If your student(s) are under the age of 13, make sure the COPPA form is completely filled out for each one.

Q: I’m worried about packaging, what do you suggest?
A: If you are sending the artwork in a flat package, put something rigid in with it, so it does not get bent. This seems to minimize damage, but you may want to make sure the art is protected on both sides with additional packaging. We recommend that you do not fold your artwork. If you can roll your artwork, we suggest putting the artwork in a mailing tube.

Q: Can I submit a digital copy of my artwork?
A: No, we require the submission of the original artwork.

Q: My question is not answered here, what should I do?
A: Contact Amy Heemsoth at heemsoth@lof.org or 443.221.6844 ext. 205

Important documents

COPPA-Compliance-8340.pdf

SWB-Challenge-2016-8352.pdf

Important Links

• Original website
• Apply online link