To honor the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and to engage youngsters in grades 4-8 in the thrill of exploration and discovery, Challenger Center for Space Science Education is sponsoring the Space Day 2004: Exploring Galactic Trails competition. Space Trek, Galactic Gear, and Extreme Explorer are this year's three standards-aligned design challenges in which teams of students are encouraged to use math and science concepts to find creative solutions to the problems posed. Winning designs receive national recognition during the Space Day Opening Ceremony on May 6, 2004, in Washington, D.C. Teacher event planners can access complete information by visiting www.challenger.org/teaching/events/Spaceday/2004. Deadline for applications is March 5.
Students in grades K-12 are invited to speak their minds in the Kids Philosophy Slam Contest sponsored by Kids Philosophy Slam. This year's topic is "War or peace: Is world peace possible or does human nature make war inevitable?" Children may respond to the question through artwork, poetry, music, or writing. National winners will debate the topic at a national competition. Prizes range from certificates and T-shirts to savings bonds and an opportunity to compete for the title, "Most Philosophical Student in America." For additional information and application forms, go to www.philosophyslam.org/index.html. Deadline for entries is February 4.
The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Awards are sponsored by Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, an organization that serves people who are not able to read standard print. Each year awards are made to current high school seniors with learning disabilities who have been registered members of RFB&D for at least one year prior to the entry deadline. Three top winners receive $6,000 each and three Special Honors winners receive $2,000 each. More information is available at www.rfbd.org. Deadline for entries is February 20.
The NEC Foundation of America invites middle school teachers in the United States to enter the NEC Perfect Classroom Competition. To enter, teachers submit a three-minute video essay describing their vision of the perfect classroom. Three awards will be made: first place, $5,000; second place, $3,000; and third place, $1,000. Further information and application forms are available at www.sciserv.org/necfoundation.asp. The deadline for submitting video essays is February 9.
Each year, the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation grants more than $1.5 million to individuals and organizations. All queries must be made online. To learn more about applying for grant funds, visit www.lowes.com/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/Community. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Tip of the Month
Don't wait! It's the beginning of a new year and the perfect time to start looking over next year's budget and identifying your best grant opportunities. Technology & Learning's online Grants, Contests, Etc. database and Directory of Funding Opportunities are great resources to jump-start your investigation for 2004-2005.
Heads-Up, Grant Writers
Effective since October 1, 2003, all organizations applying for grants and/or loans through the federal government must have a free Data Universal Numbering System number. School districts may apply for one DUNS parent number that covers multiple campuses; however, according to the Q&A sheet provided by the government, it appears that individual schools still need at least a DUNS number assigned under the district's parent number. To be assigned a DUNS number, a school or district representative needs to call (866) 705-5711 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (local time in the contiguous 48 states). The Q&A sheet may be accessed online at www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/pdf_files/dun_ga.pdf
Visit the Grants Database to search through the extensive listings of grants and contests.
Read other articles from the January Issue
