Gifted Atlanta

Students in grades 7 through 12 are invited to take part in the Young Naturalist Awards, a science fair of sorts sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Participating students conduct research on a scientific topic of their choice and submit an essay about their research and findings. The winners receive cash awards.

The competition is open to all students, regardless of whether they are in public, private or home school. The rules state that students can work together on a project, so long as they write their essays individually. Sounds like it could be a viable project for a science class to do in small groups.

Entries must be submitted between Dec. 1, 2013, and March 1, 2014.