International Polar Year, or IPY (2007-2009) is by far the most exciting international scientific and educational opportunity of this century. For the next two years, all eyes will be focused on the physical, social and human dimensions of our planet's polar regions. Watch this blog for news related to Canadian outreach and education efforts related to IPY. Of particular interest to educators! Note: This blog is created independently of any official IPY organization

Thursday, April 30, 2009

IPY Youth Time Capsule Writing Contest

The International Polar Year Youth Time Capsule Project Committee is holding a writing contest for Pan-Arctic youth, and is calling for submissions about life in the north that will be included in the IPY Time Capsule, to be re-opened 25 years from now.

The IPY Time Capsule Project is a youth-led initiative, aimed at involving northern youth in the International Polar Year in meaningful and creative ways. The Project has been developed based on the belief that youth participation is essential to ensuring the lasting legacy of the International Polar Year. So far, the Time Capsule Project has included photography, art work and youth surveys, and the Committee is now seeking pieces of writing, so that a written interpretation of life in the north through the eyes of youth can be presented along side the visual components of the Time Capsule.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 18, who are interested in submitting an entry to the writing contest, are asked to submit a one-page piece of writing, in any format (prose, poetry, etc). Entries will be accepted in any language that is currently spoken in the North, and prizes will be awarded to the first and second place entrants in each of two categories: English/French and Traditional Language/Other.

The First Prize winner in each category will receive an Ipod Touch 32 GB, and the Second Prize winner will receive an Ipod Nano 16GB.

The deadline for entries is August 31st, 2009.

All entries will be considered for inclusion in the IPY Time Capsule Project, and select entries will be displayed in a physical Time Capsule exhibit, slated for early 2010, as well as on an online exhibit, which will be available to the public beginning in late 2009 and displayed until January 2011.

In order to participate in the contest, youth can submit entries by email to ipy.timecapsule@gmail.com, or by mail to P.O.Box 11050, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 3X7, Attn. Bree Denning.

Contact – Bryany Denning, 867 873 9337, 1bbd@queensu.ca