Eligibility
New Jersey Middle school and High school students in Grades 6 through 12 are eligible to participate. Students will be competing against their peers in one of two divisions: Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12.

The Competition
Write a brief original article that would be suitable for publication in the science section of a newspaper. The topic should be related to the use of radiation or radioactive materials, or the protection of people and the environment from radiation or radioactive materials. The article should be 1-3 typed pages and should include any relevant photos, sketches, or graphics. You must use multiple sources to research your topic. Your article must include references; citations or direct quotes must be referenced properly. Note: Wikipedia is not acceptable as a reference.

Some suggested topics (others are acceptable too):

• Current scientific research using radiation or radioactive material
• Medical use of radiation or radioactive material
• Environmental effects of nuclear power

Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Ability to maintain the readers’ interest (consider the reader to be a person with enough interest to pick up the science section of a newspaper, but not a science major)
2. Accuracy of information
3. Balance in portraying the subject, especially if there are varying opinions
4. You must include multiple references, and citations or direct quotes must be referenced properly. Wikipedia citations are not acceptable.

Deadline May 15, 2008 & Submission Requirements
Papers must be submitted electronically (as an attachment in Microsoft Word format) to the NJHPS Executive Secretary, Deborah Hrabinski at njhps@yahoo.com by May 15, 2008.

With the article students must include:

• Name, phone number and email address
• Current grade
• School information (including address)

Award
Winners in each category will be presented with an award of $200.00. Those students will be invited as a guest with his/her parents or teacher to accept the award during a New Jersey Chapter of the Health Physics Society meeting.