Friday, December 11, 2009

New Jersey Native Fish Art and Writing Contest



New Jersey students in grades 4 through 7 are invited to learn about New Jersey's native fish by participating in the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's 2010 Native Fish Art and Writing Contest.

The purpose of this annual contest is to encourage children to learn about New Jersey's native fish species and their biological requirements, including the habitats they need to survive. Students should research one of New Jersey's native fish and with the information gained from their research, write a short story depicting one year in the life of that fish and submit an artistic depiction of the species featured in their story.

The story must include accurate biological and ecological information about the fish, such as its habitat needs, food preferences, and behavioral characteristics. The drawing must have a finished size of 8.5 x 11 inches and can be done in acrylics, pencils, watercolors, oil, oil pastels, crayons or ink. Creativity and originality in both the story and artwork will weigh heavily with judges, as will the use of proper grammar, sentence structure and spelling.

First and second place winners from each grade level will receive a fishing rod and reel and a certificate. First place winners will also receive a youth membership in Trout Unlimited. All winners will be invited to the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center on the Opening Day of Trout Season, April 10, 2010 for a special luncheon, awards ceremony and the opportunity to fish for trout in the Pequest Fishing Education Pond.

TEACHERS:  This annual contest, sponsored by Trout Unlimited, is open to all New Jersey students in grades 4 through 7. Participation can meet NJ Core Content Curriculum Standards Science 5.5: Grade 4 - A.1, C.1; Grade 6 - C.1; Science 5.10: Grade 6 - A.1 (as based on Trout Life Cycle (pdf, 96kb) (from Trout in the Classroom Activity Guide).

Entries for the contest must be received no later than Friday, March 5, 2010.

Sponsorship for the Native Fish Art and Writing Contest is provided by NJ Chapters of Trout Unlimited.

For more information, see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishart.htm

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