The year 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, on February 12, 1809, as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of his “Origin of Species”. Festivities worldwide will celebrate the man, his methods and his ideas, in recognition of the unequaled importance of his contributions to understanding the physical world.

One organization whose mission is “to heighten public understanding and support for science” has long worked to increase understanding of Darwin and his work among high school students. In recent years the Alliance for Science, (www.allianceforscience.org) has sponsored an annual essay contest for students in grade twelve and below on evolution-related topics. Themes of recent contests were: “Climate and Evolution” and “Agriculture and Evolution”. Cash prizes are paid to the authors of the best essays, along with cash and educational materials to teachers of the winning students. This year’s theme, “In Darwin’s Footsteps”, asks students to write about a single scientist, group of scientists, or scientific organization that best exemplifies the character and quality of work that sustained Darwin throughout his career.

The Humanist Society of Santa Barbara (HSSB) is participating in this contest in order to support the teaching of science and critical thinking in our own community. We have made a contribution to the essay contest prize fund, and we are undertaking to publicize the contest to public and private school teachers and students in Santa Barbara County. Moreover, our Board has approved funding to add to any prize won by residents of Santa Barbara County, both students and teachers.

Details of the essay contest can be found in the “ Frequently Asked Questions”, and at the Alliance for Science website. Links to the various sections of that website can be found in the Links section.

For a list of resources useful to contest participants, click here.

Note that to qualify for the extra prizes offered by HSSB, participants must register by sending an email to hssb.essay@gmail.com. with your name, address, and the name of your school and teacher. This registration is in addition to the registration needed to enter the contest.

Essay Contest Flyer