2010 Thacher Environmental Research Contest for Grades 9-12 Entries Due: April 5, 2019 $3,500 in Prizes Available

October 26, 2009

2010 Thacher Environmental Research Contest for Grades 9-12
Entries Due: April 5, 2019
$3,500 in Prizes Available

Arlington, Va.–Scientists and decision-makers are using a greater variety of tools and data than ever before to investigate and respond to our changing planet. With an increasing amount of these becoming publicly available, students have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in scientific research that explores Earth’s evolving environment.

The 2010 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, an activity of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, awards cash prizes to secondary school students (grades 9-12) whose projects demonstrate the best use of satellites and other geospatial technologies or data to study Earth.

Three cash awards will be given: 1st place — $2,000; 2nd place — $1,000; and 3rd place — $500. Entries can be submitted by individuals or teams. In the case of team entries, the cash award will be split equally among the winning team members.

In addition to prizes for the winning students, the teachers of the first-, second- and third-place students or teams will receive a $200 amazon.com gift card. If participation is part of an after-school club or other activity independent of school, the student or team can identify an adult “coach” who would be eligible for this award (e.g., a parent, club leader, etc.).

Entries must be postmarked April 5, 2010. IGES plans to announce the winning entries by May 12, 2010. Entries will be judged by IGES staff.

Eligible geospatial tools and data include satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, geographic information systems (GIS), and Global Positioning System (GPS). The main focus of the project must be on the application of the geospatial tool(s) or data to study a problem related to Earth’s environment.

Geospatial technologies and data have numerous uses in science research, ranging from climate prediction to archaeology. They can be used to improve our understanding of the Earth system, including interactions among the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere. They can also be used to improve the quality of our lives by supporting weather prediction, natural hazards monitoring, agriculture, land-use planning, coastal management, transportation, public health, emergency response and other fields.

The Thacher Environmental Research Contest (fomerly the Thacher Scholars Award) was founded in honor of former IGES board member Peter Thacher, who died in 1999. Peter Thacher was former deputy executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, NASA advisor and, at the time of his death, president of the Earth Council Foundation/U.S. He was a leader in promoting the use of satellite remote sensing.