TALAYA Club Program Director David Cabrera is inviting public and private school students in middle and high school to participate in a marine science project contest.
At stake is $500 each for the grand prize winners of the middle school and high school divisions.
“The marine science project contest is Talaya Club’s attempt to encourage students in middle school and high school to pursue careers in marine science,” Cabrera said, adding that his organization is interested in producing more local scientists. “We can increase our own capacity here in the Marianas to manage and care for our own marine resources.”
According to the contest’s official guidelines, students will create projects under the themes of marine biodiversity; ocean pollution and conservation; sustainable fisheries; marine ecosystems and habitats; and impacts of climate change on oceans.
The contest is open to all public and private middle and high school students on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Participants can enter either individually or in a team of up to three members.
According to the Talaya Club, “creativity is encouraged.” Projects may take various forms “including research papers, experiments, artistic creations, videos, presentations, and more.”
Additionally, projects may be submitted in the Chamorro, Refaluwasch or English languages.
Registration began on Sept. 7. Cabrera said all qualifying schools have been contacted and informed about the project guidelines. The deadline to register a project is Oct. 2.
Projects will be evaluated based on relevance to the chosen theme; scientific accuracy; creativity; presentation; and impact on raising awareness about marine science.
Cabrera said school principals or representatives will select a single project to represent their school at the grand prize level of the competition. The deadline for schools to select a winner is Nov. 17.
The grand prize level of competition occurs on Nov. 18 at a place and time that will be announced soon.
Students interested in participating should contact their school principal for details and the contest guidelines.
They may also call David Cabrera at (670) 287-1281.
