Cary Institute announces its fourth “Hudson Data Jam Competition” for middle and high school students
(Millbrook, NY) For more than thirty years, researchers at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies have been studying the Hudson River and its watershed, analyzing everything from water chemistry to invasive species. Now, Cary Institute educators are challenging middle school and high school students to creatively bring these and other long-term Hudson Valley data to life in the fourth annual Hudson Data Jam, a competition that melds science and creativity.
The first competition was held in 2014. Last year, two hundred and forty students participated in the Hudson Data Jam, more than doubling enrollment from 2014. Projects explored everything from invasive species to biogeochemistry using video, art, and song. Students are once again challenged to use data sets available on the Cary Institute website to identify an interesting trend or comparison and communicate their findings creatively.
Hudson Data Jam participants will hone their data interpretation and communication skills while gaining a better understanding of their local environment. In addition to their creative work, participants produce a report that includes the data set used, graphs that capture trends and/or comparisons, questions and hypotheses, and an explanation of their creative methods. Reports will be displayed in poster form at the Hudson Data Jam Expo, the culminating event where students present their final projects.
Students can work individually or as part of a team. Registration forms are due May 1; final project submissions must be received by May 12. To see examples of creative science-based stories and last year’s winning projects, visit the Hudson Data Jam on the Cary Institute’s website (http://www.caryinstitute.org/students/hudson-data-jam-competition.) New components to the contest for 2017 include: data sets from the Department of Health research on PCBs, use of classroom data from the Day in the Life of the Hudson River will be allowed, video resources made by student for students with Spark Media Project, and a downloadable Teacher Guide. Students and teachers will find a selection of Hudson River watershed data sets and resources that will help participants select a topic and get started on their projects.
Projects will be judged by a panel of scientists, educators, and artists, with prizes awarded to the top middle school and high school projects. Winners will be announced at the Hudson Data Jam Expo, to be held at Marist College’s Student Center – date and time to be announced. Attendance is not required to win the merit prizes, as projects will be submitted and judged electronically. However, students must be present to be eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
Teachers, parents, and informal educators are encouraged to enter their students into the competition. Cary Institute educators will support students and their project mentors via a limited number of classroom visits for school groups who register early. If you have any questions about the Hudson Data Jam, please contact Shelly Forster at caryeducation@caryinstitute.org, or call (845) 677-7600 x 303.
The Hudson Data Jam was made possible in part through generous funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund through the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Marist College is helping to sponsor the event, by providing both a location for the Hudson Data Jam Expo and the technology needed to support the electronic submission process.
You can keep abreast of Hudson Data Jam news and deadlines by liking ‘HudsonDataJam’ on Facebook.
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The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a private, not-for-profit environmental research and education organization in Millbrook, N.Y. For thirty years, Cary Institute scientists have been investigating the complex interactions that govern the natural world. Their objective findings lead to more effective policy decisions and increased environmental literacy. Focal areas include disease ecology, forest and freshwater health, climate change, urban ecology, and invasive species.
