This annual contest invites pre-college students to spotlight scientists and engineers who have made a meaningful impact to nuclear science, accelerator science, and accelerator engineering and deserve recognition.
High school and middle school students are invited to compete for a chance to be recognized and win a prize
Michigan State University (MSU) and FRIB, under the Student Training and Engagement Program for Undergraduates in Physics, are hosting a Distinguished Trailblazers in the Sciences competition for pre-college students. The competition spotlights scientists and engineers who have made a meaningful impact to nuclear science, accelerator science, and accelerator engineering and deserve recognition.
Use your talent to express history
Students are invited to investigate a scientist or engineer in the fields of nuclear science, accelerator science, and accelerator engineering. Participating students will share what they have learned by creating an original artistic design expression, personalized poems, musical performances (song/rap), videos, or a poster to highlight their selected Distinguished Trailblazer in the Sciences.
Participants: Get excited to discover Distinguished Trailblazers in the Sciences
Use your creativity to share what you learn!
Entrants will create an original one (1) to three (3) minute video in which they present their submission. Submissions (such as a video, oral presentation, personalized poem, or poster) should examine how their Distinguished Trailblazer has impacted life, the nation, or the world today in the fields of nuclear science, accelerator science, and/or accelerator engineering. Participants are particularly encouraged to spotlight a trailblazer who has not been highlighted before in this competition (see list of previous winners below).
Note: The current competition has closed. Please come back for the next competition later this year.
Previous winners
Submission guidelines
Student entrants must submit a one (1) to three (3) minute presentation in one of two categories based on grade level:
- Category one: Grades 5-8
- Category two: Grades 9-12
Submissions must include:
1. Video recording submitted as an "unlisted" YouTube video (click here for uploading instructions). The video must include one of the following: oral presentation, reciting of personalized poem, artistic design expression, or produced musical (song/rap)
3. Consent form signed by parent/guardian if entrant is under 18 years old
4. Signed media release form for every person appearing in the video
5. Copyright transfer agreement and release form
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Submitted entries must be contest entrants’ original works. Applicable copyright guidelines apply if other content is incorporated. If entries violate preexisting copyright(s), they will not be posted on FRIB/MSU channels. Copyright resources are available here:
1. Six Copyright Concepts Your K-12 Students Should Know | Copyright: Creativity at Work (loc.gov)
Note: Relatives of the organizers of the Distinguished Trailblazers program are not eligible to participate.
Timeline
- October: Announcement
- December: Submission deadline
- January: Winners announced
- All participants receive a Certification of Participation.
- February: Presentation (only winners will present)
- FRIB management makes a short announcement and present the awards.
Judging process
A judging panel consisting of faculty members, field experts, and post-doctoral fellows will use a grading rubric to judge all submissions and rank them for first, second, and third place per grade group. High school students will be supported to attend the Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program.
Awards
The top three winners from each category (grades 5-8 and grades 9-12) will receive prizes. No two prizes will be given for the same distinguished trailblazer. Students will be awarded a total equal to $600 for both categories:
- 1st Place: $140 per category
- 2nd Place: $100 per category
- 3rd Place: $50 per category
- High school winners will be offered a place in the week-long Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program (with full support), which will take place at MSU (organized by FRIB) during the summer.
