Conservation Through The Arts
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Category: WildlifeType: News
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Date: Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
The Junior Duck Stamp Plan is in full flight in 2010 and all students (K-12) throughout Colorado are welcome to participate in this free art and science opportunity designed to teach wetlands habitat and waterfowl conservation. Using scientific and wildlife observation principles, the Junior Duck Stamp Plan helps students communicate visually what they have learned by creating an entry to the Junior Duck Stamp art contest. This non-traditional pairing of subjects brings new interest to both the sciences and arts to students throughout the state while fostering a greater awareness and conservation ethic toward our nation's natural resources.
Preparation for the Junior Duck Stamp contest and involvement in this dynamic Plan requires students to think about and understand the fundamental principles of anatomy and environmental science and can be an accurate barometer of a student's grasp of these topics. The Plan also provides opportunities for students to learn science and express their knowledge of the beauty, diversity, and interdependence of wildlife in an artistic manner.
The Junior Duck Stamp contest begins each fall and proceeds through spring as students submit their artwork to their state coordinator. Students at the state level are then judged in 4 groups according to grade level: Group I: K-3, Group II: 4-6, Group III: 7-9, and Group IV 10-12. 3 first, second, and 3rd place entries are selected for each group. A "Best of Show" is also selected by the judges from the twelve first-place winners regardless of their age group. Each state's "Best of Show" is then submitted to the Duck Stamp Office in Washington D.C. and entered into the national contest.
The first-place design from the national contest is used to create the actual Junior Duck Stamp for the following year. Junior Duck Stamps are sold by the U.S. Postal Service for $5 per stamp. Proceeds from these sales support environmental education and provide awards and scholarships for the students, teachers, and schools that participate in the program. All entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2010. The award ceremony to honor all the state winners and schools with certificates and prizes will be held at an Award's ceremony in May, 2010.
For more details on how kids, teachers, and schools in your local area can participate in this fun educational Plan contact Colorado State Coordinator Seth Beres @ (303)289-0867 or visit http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/ArtContest.htm.
The mission of the U.S.F.W.S. is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.-
-FWS-
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