Scientific Discovery Begins with Expeditions!

Over the last 100 years, our understanding of the world has evolved tremendously. At the beginning of the 20th century, the structure of DNA had yet to be unraveled, the idea of plate tectonics had not been developed, and we never imagined that our planet's plant and animal life might one day be extinct. Today we understand that DNA is the master blueprint of all living things, that plate tectonics is a major force that shapes Earth's surface, and that the biodiversity of Earth's living things is of critical importance not only to human survival, but also to the continued function of the Earth system.

Each year Museum scientists endeavor to gain more knowledge about these and other questions. They travel across the planet to places as far away as the Falkland Islands and as close as Central Park in New York City. These scientists observe, collect, and document what they find. Their observations are recorded in a field journal that they can refer to again and again, long after the expedition is over. Many months and even years later, scientists are still analyzing the information they gathered on their expeditions, and communicating their findings with other scientists and the public.

For this year's contest, students were invited to choose a topic in the areas of biology, Earth science, or astronomy. First, students planned an expedition that would provide new data, questions, or observations about their topic. They then shared their data and experiences through narrative essays that take the reader along on their expeditions. They included drawings, maps, and/or photographs that illustrated their research.