Stick Science Contest: Home
Background information: Why are we doing this?
Public understanding of science, especially biology/evolution, is horribly low. Folks who push antievolution efforts on local, state and national stages prey on that weakness. One such gap in knowledge is the use of the word "theory." When the general public uses the word, it means one thing; when a scientist uses the word, it usually means something completely different. We see this a lot when antievolution folks claim that "evolution is only a theory." The news media mistakenly runs intelligent design and evolution alongside as two competing theories in their stories and accompanying graphics. Lawmakers take advantage of this when proposing antievolution legislation.
Besides the misuse of the word theory, antievolution efforts rely on false arguments such as gaps in the fossil record, the ever changing nature of science, and scientists being afraid of honest critical analysis.
Contest for ages 13 through adult:
Your job is to create a cartoon that can be used to educate the general public and especially decision makers (state legislators, school board members) about the truth behind one false science argument. Choose an argument, either one I've mentioned above or another one you are familiar with, and create a cartoon that corrects the record.
Contest for ages 12 and under:
Your job is to create a cartoon that tells everyone "why understanding science is important."
But wait! I can't draw!
Don't worry. The name of the contest is "Stick Science" for a reason. All entries must be drawn using stick figures. Even if you are a professional artist, you must still use stick figures. The main focus will be on your creative idea, not your artistic talent. This doesn't mean you can be sloppy, though. Your entry needs to be as clear as possible. You are welcome to add "artist's notes" to the cartoon to make a certain point clear if your stick figure drawing ability doesn't allow you to express it. But your writing and drawing needs to be understandable. You're not going to win anything if the judges can't figure out your cartoon.
Your cartoon can be funny or educational or a combination of both; however, the cartoon should not be mean-spirited or single out a real person for ridicule. Your entry can be a single pane like a political cartoon, or it can be three or four panes like a daily comic strip, or it can be several panes in two rows similar to the Sunday comics. As long as your cartoon fits on a standard 8.5" x 11" piece of paper, either vertically or horizontally, you are good to go.
We have "celebrity" judges and great prizes awaiting your cartoon! Click through the following links to learn more.
