Empowering the next generation through science-led entrepreneurship
Applications for the STEM Competition are now
CLOSED
The Wave Makers Kids Symposium featuring legendary oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle is open to the public and will be held on Saturday, April 27 at 3pm at the COX Science Center and Aquarium. You can purchase tickets to this event day of directly at the COX Science Center and Aquarium.
HOW TO ENTER
1. Determine the Applicant's Group
Ages 4-6: Mini Wave Makers
Ages 7-10: Junior Wave Makers
Ages11-13: Rising Wave Makers
Ages 14-18: Wave Maker Entrepreneurs
2. Identify the Applicant's Deliverable, Topic, Research, and Report
Ages 4-6: Mini Wave Makers
Highlight your favorite, most intriguing fact or finding about Florida's ocean and/or wildlife in a creative 1 minute video. Share your discovery and inspire others to appreciate the wonders of Florida's natural world. At the end of the video state, "My name is (your name) and I am a Wave Maker."
- Ask them to share unique facts about their job or about the ocean - Ask them to share what people can do to protect the ocean - Ask them to share a memorable experience or encounter with marine life or wildlife that has had a lasting impact on you - What are some of the most pressing challenges facing Florida's ocean/ wildlife today? - How can individuals and communities contribute to the protection and preservation of Florida's marine life and ecosystems? - How has technology, innovation and scientific research advanced our understanding of Florida's marine environments and wildlife over the years? - What message or advice would you like to share to inspire people to take action and support ocean/wildlife conservation efforts?
OR
Option Two: Develop an educational presentation that delves into a specific aspect of ocean or wildlife. You must share your findings and knowledge creatively by creating a fun and informative video that is 3-5 minutes in length.
- Ask them to share unique facts about their job or about the ocean - Ask them to share what people can do to protect the ocean - Ask them to share a memorable experience or encounter with marine life or wildlife that has had a lasting impact on you - What are some of the most pressing challenges facing Florida's ocean/ wildlife today? - How can individuals and communities contribute to the protection and preservation of Florida's marine life and ecosystems? - How has technology, innovation and scientific research advanced our understanding of Florida's marine environments and wildlife over the years? - What message or advice would you like to share to inspire people to take action and support ocean/wildlife conservation efforts?
OR
Option Two: Develop an educational presentation that delves into a specific aspect of ocean or wildlife. You must share your findings and knowledge creatively by creating a fun and informative video that is 3-5 minutes in length.
Ages 14-18: Wave Maker Entrepreneurs
Develop a pitch presentation for a business or entrepreneurial idea focused on ocean conservation or wildlife conservation in a 2-5 minute video.
Describe the concept, potential, and how it contributes to protecting the ocean. Be persuasive and forward-thinking.
Identify ONE topic that interests the applicant the most within the competition theme: marine biology, ocean sustainability, and wild Florida!
3. Complete and Submit the Applicant's Video by April 19, 2024
Open to Florida residents ages 4-18. Parent or guardian permission required for students under 19. Teacher, parent or guardian must submit the application on behalf of the student.
All applications must be submitted by April 19, 2024, 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) to be considered.
Please enter the applicant's age division based on the age of the applicant at the time of submission.
Entries must be submitted in English or include an English translation.
$5,000 educational scholarship Title of "Wave Maker's Top Innovators Scholar" Meet Dr. Sylvia Earle in West Palm Beach on 4/27/24 Trophy and prize package Four (4) VIP Tickets to Cox Science Center Ocean Book signed by Dr. Sylvia Earle
DIVISIONAL PRIZES
One Winner Per Age Group
Ages 4-6: Mini Wave Makers
- Trophy and prize package - Four (4) VIP Tickets to Cox Science Center - Ocean Book signed by Dr. Sylvia Earle
Ages 7-10: Junior Wave Makers
- $500 educational scholarship - Trophy and prize package - Four (4) VIP Tickets to Cox Science Center - Ocean Book signed by Dr. Sylvia Earle
Ages 11-13: Rising Wave Makers
- $1,000 educational scholarship - Trophy and prize package - Four (4) VIP Tickets to Cox Science Center - Ocean Book signed by Dr. Sylvia Earle
Ages 14-18: Wave Maker Entrepreneurs
- $2,500 educational scholarship - Trophy and prize package - Four (4) VIP Tickets to Cox Science Center - Ocean Book signed by Dr. Sylvia Earle
One (1) Grand Prize Winner
$5,000 educational scholarship Title of "Wave Maker's Top Innovators Scholar" Meet Dr. Sylvia Earle in West Palm Beach on 4/27/24 Trophy and prize package Four (4) VIP Tickets to Cox Science Center Ocean Book signed by Dr. Sylvia Earle
FAQ
What is the Wave Makers STEM Competition?
This nonprofit program is for Florida residents ages 4-18. Our mission is to unleash young innovators through science-led entrepreneurship STEM programs. We foster creativity, critical thinking, and passion for science, technology, engineering and math.
How can a student apply to the Wave Makers STEM Competition?
Identify your age group and deliverable. Applications online must be submitted by a parent, guardian or teacher no later than April 19, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. Videos must not exceed the maximum duration outlined in the age group description. Incomplete applications are not valid.
Why does a parent, guardian or teacher have to submit the application?
We do not collect any information from children. Therefore, we ask that parents, guardians, and teachers submit the applications.
Can students apply as a group or team?
No. Only one application is to be submitted per student.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying to the program is free for all Florida students ages 4 - 18.
Can the educational scholarship be used for something other than college tuition?
No. We believe in empowering the next generation through science-led entrepreneurship and by providing educational scholarships. We look forward to assisting in furthering the student's education!
How are submissions evaluated?
A panel of experts in the field of ocean conservation, including our distinguished judge Dr. Sylvia Earle, will evaluate the participants' projects based on creativity, impact, and adherence to the competition's objectives per age group. Please see the following for criteria we are looking for:
Content and Knowledge (30%): Consider the understanding of the topic, inclusion of relevant information, and demonstration of knowledge about ocean conservation.
Innovation and Creativity (25%): The level of originality, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking demonstrated in the project or idea.
Impact on Education and Awareness (20%): Consider the project's ability to inspire and engage others in the mission of ocean conservation.
Presentation and Communication (15%): Assess the ability to effectively convey the problem, proposed solution, and potential impact to a broader audience.
Clarity and Organization (10%): Evaluate the clarity and organization of the project. Consider the structure, flow, and coherence of the content.
When is the deadline for submissions?
April 19, 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET).
Can music be added to my video?
No, videos can not contain music.
Can I email or mail my submission?
No, only online submissions will be considered.
Do applicants need to include citations with their application?
Citations are not required, but are welcome and encouraged. There is a citation and notes section within the application, please include any citations in this section.
What are the rules around AI?
Participants are required to submit original work for their entry. While we acknowledge the use of existing sources for inspiration and research, the Wave Makers STEM Competition maintains the right to disqualify any entry if there is suspicion or confirmation of plagiarism.
While we value Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool, this STEM Competition is about original content and creativity. Therefore, using AI-generators, such as ChatGPT or DALL-E, is considered plagiarism and grounds for disqualification.
What are topic suggestions or ideas to get started?
- Cool facts about sharks - What to know about turtle nesting season - The Florida panther - Do fish really fly - Plastic Pirates: investigating the impact of plastic pollution on marine life - Save the colorful coral kingdoms - The wonders of marine protected areas - How to protect coastal communities from climate change - The global ocean out of balance - How can you make a difference today to protect ocean life
How do I register for the Wave Makers Ocean Symposium featuring oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle at Manatee Lagoon on April 26, 2024?
