EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Outreach and Education has announced the winners of its planetarium show essay contest.
The contest called for students grades 3-8 to answer the question: Should Pluto be reclassified as a planet? Three independent judges rated entries based on four categories, including science content, originality, enthusiasm and writing level.
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The winner of the 3-5 grade category was Dante Steinhorst, a third-grade student at Columbus Elementary in Edwardsville. Taking top prize among the 6-8 grade entries was Aurora Pilkington, a seventh-grade student at Edwardsville’s Liberty Middle School.
“All of the essays had interesting points of view,” said SIUE STEM Center Instructor and Outreach Specialist Colin Wilson. “I watched the debate about Pluto’s status happen as an adult, and wondered if students who have only ever known eight planets would feel as strongly. They do!”
“The two winning essays were the most enthusiastic and most scientifically relevant among the many entries,” he explained. “Looking up the reasons given by the International Association of Planetary Sciences makes it seem like the decision is cut and dry, but these students definitely put some thought into what the implications were, and why people should care.”
Entries were received from students attending several Edwardsville schools, as well as Saints Peter and Paul School in Alton and Shipman Elementary.
“The StarLab allows us to provide amazing new presentations, and we’re eager to share the unique experience with area schools,” Wilson said. “We’re currently scheduling StarLab visits with the winners’ schools, and looking at next school year for a repeat contest with a new topic.”
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach comprises an independent group of researchers and educators, innovating ways to engage students and the public in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Within the SIUE Graduate School, the Center brings together research faculty, graduate students and practitioners to conduct education research. The Center contributes educational expertise to SIUE undergraduate classes and provides professional development for K-12 teachers. The Center boasts a significant library of equipment and resources, which are available for loan at no cost to campus and regional instructors. For more information, visit https://www.siue.edu/stem/ about.shtml or contact STEM Center Director Sharon Locke at (618) 650-3065 or stemcenter@siue.edu.
