Delaware fifth graders encouraged to reflect on weather, climate in essay contest

3:29 p.m., Sept. 3, 2014--Fifth-grade Delaware students are invited to enter the University of Delaware’s annual Coast Day essay contest.

In keeping with this year’s theme, “Weather and Climate: On Our Radar,” the prospective writers are asked to write about how they monitor the weather. They are also asked to write about what they have learned from the recent storms, such as Hurricane Sandy and the recent snowstorms from last winter, and how they may better prepare themselves and their communities for these events.

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“The essay contest is a great opportunity for students to improve their writing and research skills, while also sparking their interests in coastal issues,” said Chris Petrone, Delaware Sea Grant’s marine education specialist.

All contest finalists will be recognized at Coast Day, which will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. 

The top three winners will receive bookstore gift cards valued at $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place. The teachers of the winning students will receive gift cards for resource materials for use in their classrooms.

Essay contest entries, which will be considered only if they are postmarked by Sept. 19, conform to contest rules, and are under 400 words in length, should be sent to:

Coast Day Essay Contest

Delaware Sea Grant – Marine Advisory Service

700 Pilottown Rd

Lewes, DE 19958

Coast Day is an annual celebration of Delaware’s rich marine environment, sponsored by UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and Delaware Sea Grant. 

Coast Day attracts thousands of visitors every year, and has won state and national awards for its role in promoting environmental education and stewardship. Kid-friendly favorites at Coast Day include a chemical magic show, treasure hunt, critter touch tanks, and tours of UD’s research ships.

For a complete list of contest rules and to learn more about Coast Day, visit the event website. 

For more information about the contest, contact Chris Petrone at 302-645-4308 or petrone@udel.edu. 

Article by Eadoh Reshef