My 3-year-old loves Dora the Explorer and if she were a bit older she would be a shoe-in for the following travel contest. (Spoken like a true biased mother.)
The contest includes a few restrictions, which I will detail below, but here’s what you need to know first:
The contest is called the “Hands-On Explorer Challenge” and is sponsored by National Geographic Kids magazine. The grand prize is an 11-day expedition to Australia and will be awarded to 15 kids ages 9-14 (each winner will be allowed to bring a parent or guardian along on the trip) PLUS two teachers.
To enter, kids must write an original essay of no more than 300 words describing how they “actively explore their world” and the most interesting things they have encountered along the way. In addition, they must attach a photo they’ve taken to illustrate their “adventure.” For example, if your son runs a mini petting zoo in your backyard take a shot of that or take a trip to a local zoo, pond, park, or use a picture your child took on your family’s most recent vacation.
The contest is also open to teachers. To enter educators are asked to conduct a hands-on activity related to Australia with their students, and write an essay about it of no more than 500 words. Activities can be original or based on ideas provided by the magazine. Other entry requirements include providing detailed instructions for carrying out the activity, a photograph of students engaged in the activity and a letter of support from the principal or a supervisor.
The contest is open only to full-time teachers in grades 3-8 on any subject matter during the 2007-08 school year and who plan to teach during the 2008-09 school year.
The Australia expedition is scheduled for July 16-28, 2008. All entries must be postmarked by February 15th, and received by February 22nd. Complete rules and details can be found by clicking here.
Related Articles:
A Trip Down Under—Visiting Sydney, Australia
Adventures by Disney: Australia