ESSAY CONTEST
Writing about science helps students think more clearly about the world around them and practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. At Opportunity X, we want all students to have chances to learn more about current scientific topics and share what they learn through writing.
Each year, we run a STEM essay contest for students in grades 4-8. Kids pick one of three topics we choose (announced each fall) and write a 300-600 word essay about how their topic affects real life. They can work alone or team up with friends, which helps them learn both research skills and how to work together.
We give students some questions to get them started, but we want them to come up with their own ideas about how these science areas change our world. The best essays receive prizes!
2025 Essay Contest!
Students have three themes to choose from for this year’s STEM essay contest: Sustainable Fashion + Agriculture, Advancements in Biotechnology and Renewable Energy Sources. Students will provide an overview, zone in on a specific aspect, and discuss the impact of their chosen theme. Students can refer to this list of questions for guidance, but they do not have to answer the guide questions in their essays.
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The submission deadline is December 31, 2025 11:59 PM PST. Only ONE submission per group.
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Rules
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Participants must be grades 4-8.
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The essay must include an overview of the chosen theme before zoning in on a specific aspect of the theme. The specific aspect can be based on one of the guide questions but does not have to be. The essay should also discuss the impact of the theme/specific aspect: what are some current events, how are things looking for the future.
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The essay must be within the word limit of 300 - 600 words.
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The essay can be completed individually or in groups of up to 3 people.
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The essay should have a title and the names of everyone who worked on it.
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At least 3 sources must be cited in a bibliography.
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Submission link: tinyurl.com/25STEMessay​
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Guide questions: tinyurl.com/25guidequestions
Our Past Essay Contests
