If you are the parent or teacher of students in K-12 (in the United States; also homeschooled students), your child or students might be interested in participating in the annual junior duck stamp competition put on by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The art contest is part of efforts to increase interest in wildlife and awareness of habitat challenges.

2016-2017 Junior Duck Stamp, featuring a pair of Ross’s geese by Stacy Shen, 16, of Fremont, Calif. Credit: USFWS

The FWS produced a cross-disciplinary curriculum that meets national standards for science, visual arts, and environmental education. Teacher guides and student handbooks (geared toward grades 5-8) are available as a free download.

The culminating activity is an artwork for possible entry into the contest, depicting any of several specified species of waterfowl. Realism counts, and competition is fierce. Look at the 2016 “Best of Show” winners for each state. (Oh, my. I wish I could draw half as well as these kids.) Copying (even freehand copying) is prohibited, and the contest brochure shows how to use a picture for reference without copying it.

Entries must be postmarked by March 15, except: South Carolina (sorry; entries postmarked by January 10), Massachusetts and New Jersey (entries postmarked by February 15), Maryland, Missouri, Ohio and Virginia (entries postmarked by March 1).

Scholarship prizes for the top three winners range from $200-$1000. General rules are available here. For the complete rules, click here.

Photo by Simply CVR

So, what do you think? Do you know a young person who might want to enter the contest? Do you know teachers who might want to include conservation activities in their instruction? Why not send them a link to this article.