International Science Poetry Competition

Science is one of various ways of knowing, including the aesthetic mode of knowing. Using poetry in science education can be an aesthetic experience, stimulating students’ observation, imagination, and emotion. By helping us to cater for the different aptitudes and interests of students in our classes, science poetry may, for at least some students, foster a sense of wonder, enthusiasm, and interest in science. In this way, it may contribute to our efforts in aiming to ensure that the study of school science proves to be a fulfilling experience for, ideally, all students.

Reading and/or listening to poems that have been composed by other children their own age can inspire and reassure students as to their ability to understand and write poetry, and the science poems below may be used in this way. Further poems from the International Science Poetry Competition, plus adjudicator's comments, may be found at http://www.ScienceEducationReview.com/poetcomp.html . This site also contains an expanded rationale for providing opportunities for students to read and write science poetry, related practical classroom techniques, and resources to support the strategy.

The International Science Poetry Competition has three age groups: 9-11, 12-14, and 15+ years of age. Students need to submit a poem or rhyme by June 25, 2008. Rewards include certificates and trophies.

Peter Eastwell, Science Time Education
http://www.ScienceTime.com.au


Science!!
Without science we wouldn’t know much,
So it is with science we must stay in touch.
Atoms, neutrons and electrons too,
These things give the scientists many things to do.

So a scientist is busy in all different ways,
Searching for answers throughout all his days.
We’ll be able to advance with the knowledge we gain,
All the world’s great ideas that we can now explain.

So here’s to science the thing that’s best,
We can do lots of science to beat the rest.
I hope we can learn more science facts,
To make the world stay on its tracks.

Kate Geehan
11 years