Teachers: Happy Holidays! Enjoy this early gift: State Core Academic Standards aligned to essay contest

Meet State Standards for grades 4-12 in English/language arts, science and social studies. Students can win an Apple iPad®

INDIANAPOLIS (December 9, 2011) — A breakdown of the State Core Academic Standards met by the 2^nd annual Our Food, Our Farmers essay contest is now available on the Indiana’s Family of Farmers and Indiana Humanities websites.

The analysis was done this past fall by a third party consultant to determine Indiana academic standards met by the contest for grades 4 – 12.  Through this essay contest, academic standards can be met at all grade levels in the areas of English/language arts, science and social studies. Additional academic standards can be met for high school students in the areas of biology, economics, geography and world history.

“This essay contest offers a ‘win-win’ for all. Teachers meet both their curriculum needs and can offer their students a new and interesting project,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “We get a better opportunity to expand the contest throughout our state schools and provide students with an opportunity to think, read and talk more about Indiana’s rich agricultural history and its bright future.”

Sponsored by Indiana’s Family of Farmers and Indiana Humanities, this year’s contest explores Indiana’s role as a global agricultural leader and is titled “Our Food, Our Farmers: Feeding the World.” Students have the opportunity to write an essay about all the ways Indiana agriculture plays a positive role in their own lives –as well as in the lives of those around them. The essay competition includes three grade levels: 4-6; 7-9 and 10-12. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2012.

There will be a first and second place winner from each grade level. First place winners will receive an Apple iPad and second place winners will receive a Kodak PlaySport camcorder.  All winners will be invited to attend a special recognition ceremony on March 8, 2012 in Celebration of National Ag Day.

Entry guidelines and State Standards can be found at www.indianahumanities.org or www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

This contest is part of Indiana Humanities’ two-year Spirit of Competition initiative, which  celebrates the role competition plays in our lives by examining core elements such as civility, rivalry, innovation, passion and failure.