Cool it Schools

The competition theme for 2011 the International Year of Chemistry, will be announced very soon......

To celebrate the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity we asked you to write a poem.

The aim of this competition was to help young people understand, through their own creative responses, the challenges that the natural world faces at the beginning of the 21st century. 

The first, second and third prize winners are now being selected by the novelist and poet Sue Hubbard . The winners will be published on the Natural History Museum's website and featured in Second Nature the museum's fascinating magazine for young members.

The winning poets will receive prizes of beautiful books on biodiversity and conservation generously provided by Dorling Kindersley and Silver Jungle.

Visit the Biodiversity is Life website if you want to find out what else is happening during the IYB-UK.

The theme:

Slip inside some scales, feathers, fur, or shell. Imagine you are a bird, fish, mammal, plant or insect, even an amoeba, and write a poem about your changing environment.

Your poem can be funny or serious but, hopefully, it will tell us something new about how species adapt to a changing planet. Decorate your poems if you want to, with paint, crayons, grass or seeds, whatever material tells us a little more about your chosen subject.

Terms of entry

1. Poems must be a maximum of 14 lines.
2. The poems are judged on writing only. You don't have to include illustrations.
3. There are three age categories 5-10,11-14,15-18 years.
4. Poems must be written in English. Please make the font size 22 or more if possible.
5. The cost of entering a poem for the competition is £2 for each poem. 
6. Once you have paid, please send your poem to coolitschools@ukonline.co.uk

The competition is open to individuals to enter, you don't have to be from a school. You will be able to view all your poems in the Writing the World showcase.

Don't forget to add your name, age, a contact email and the name of the person who made your entry payment.

To pay the entry fee please click on the 'enter competition' button at the bottom of the page. 

The competition is now closed

The next Writing the World competition 'Chain Reaction' is launching in September to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry It's never too soon to research, check out the IYC website for ideas.

(if you miss the closing date but would still like to have your poem published we will upload it for you but from the 24th July the judges will be busy reading the fantastic poetry (we think you are all brilliant).