About the Young Naturalist Awards

Now celebrating its fifteenth year, the Young Naturalist Awards—a research-based science competition for students in grades 7 through 12—recognizes the accomplishments of students who have investigated questions they have in the areas of biology, Earth science, ecology, and astronomy.

Every year scientists from the American Museum of Natural History go on expeditions to gather evidence to add to our understanding of the natural world. Following in that tradition, students throughout the United States and Canada are invited to conduct their own scientific investigations that include questions, hypotheses, and trips into the field to gather data.

Successful student investigations are driven by curiosity. Do river crossings impede wildlife? What gestures do gorillas use to communicate? Will Eastern indigo snakes use artificial burrows? After identifying a question, students conduct outside research to learn more about their topic. They begin to formulate a hypothesis and plan how they will gather data to test it. They make observations and record their findings. Analysis of their data follows, and, with that, results that either support or reject their hypothesis. Their conclusions lead to more questions and further inquiry. The competition invites students to recount their investigations and their findings in an essay.

The essays are reviewed by a panel of judges that includes environmentalists, science teachers, as well as Museum scientists and educators. All participants in the contest receive a certificate along with a letter that highlights the strong points of their investigation along with suggestions for improvement. The twelve winners of the contest, two from each grade, win cash awards and are invited to the Museum. Here they meet with Museum scientists, take behind-the-scenes tours, and are honored at an awards ceremony. Their essays are published on the Museum's website.

About the Museum

For more than 130 years, the American Museum of Natural History has been a leader in scientific research, conservation, and education. Located in New York City, the Museum is renowned for its collections and exhibitions, which serve as a field guide to the entire planet and its cultures.