National Geographic Kids has a planetary contest open for kids, ages 9 to 14.
Get your child involved in science and writing by entering National Geographic’s Planet Contest. Your child must be age 9-14 and the entry deadline in December 1, 2007.
What’s Involved
To enter, your child must create a mnemonic using the first letter of the Sun and each of the planets and micro-planets. The letters should appear in the following order: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Eris.
Mnemonic
What is a mnemonic? It’s a way to memorize lists of words, scales, and other items of importance. For example, to recall the musical notes EGBDF, student’s will learn the mnemonic “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge.” For a planetary mnemonic, your child will have to come up with a catchy slogan or phrase using the first letter of each planet, including the Sun: S, M, V, E, M, C, J, S, U, N, P, E.
Prize
One winner will be selected from all the entries. The winning child’s mnemonic and name will be published the National Geographic Children’s book 11 Planets: A New View of the Solar System by David Aguilar. The child will also receive a tote bag filled with National Geographic books, a National Geographic t-shirt, and other goodies.
