ACT-SO Category Descriptions

The science of life or of the origin, structure, reproduction, growth and development of living organisms collectively.

Projects in this category could involve the biology of organism from the microscopic scale to the microscopic scale (e.g., bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, yeast, genes, etc.).

Requirements:

• Only one (1) project can be entered per competition.
• Provide a printed spaced scientific paper to accompany the project to be submitted. The content of the paper, which should not exceed five (5) pages, should include: a short introduction describing the background and purpose of the work, an experimental section including both methods and results, and a concluding section discussing the results and their implications. Tables, graphs, charts, maps, photographs, raw statistical data, etc. should be included whenever possible. They must also include references used and acknowledgments of any individuals who served as direct academic resources. The student’s name, page number and unit name and number must be on the top of each page. (Example: Hakeem Lee, Montgomery County Maryland Branch, Unit 7022.
• The contestant is to make an oral presentation (minimum 5 minutes).This time limit does not include the time required for judges’ questions and contestant to responses.
• Contestants are responsible for providing their own equipment.
• The NAACP ACT‐SO Program will provide electrical power and display tables upon request.

Contestants must submit a STEM Verification Form from a qualified scientist or science teacher with an earned professional degree or license. This person can also serve as a coach, working closely with the student during the course of the project to ensure the accuracy of the student’s research and qualifications for entry.  

STEM project will be judged by the following criteria:

• Quality of research 
• Scientific approach/method (20) 
• Validity of information (10) 
• Validity of conclusion(s) (10) 
• Depth of understanding oral presentation 
• Knowledge gained and creativity (20)
• Thoroughness & individual work (20)
• Written report (10)
• Visual presentation (10)

The science or art of arranging music by ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination or in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity. 

Requirements:

• Print one (1) original notarized composition.
• The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number and unit name and number. (Example: Rashid Jackson, Montgomery County Maryland Branch, Unit 7022.)
• The composition must be neatly and precisely written on music manuscript paper, in such a manner that any trained musician could perform the composition. Before submission, all electronically generated manuscripts (Finale, Sibelius, etc.) must be proofread to ensure proper quantization in the final print generated composition.
• The contestant must include a CD of the composition with the National Registration materials and bring a copy of the CD for the judges on site at the Local competition. Competitors will not perform their composition at the competition.
• The composition must not exceed five (5) minutes.
  

 Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:  

• Creative sense (10)
• Form (20)
• Harmonic and rhythmic interest (20)
• Strength of melodic line (20)
• Use of theory (20)
• Quality of transcript (10)

A brief examination of a subject in prose usually expressing a personal view of interpretation of a subject or topic.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) notarized original essay written only by the contestant should be submitted on or before the specified deadline. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number, and unit name and number. (Ex. Ashleigh Lee, Montgomery County Maryland Branch, Unit 7022)
• The essay must be typed and double‐spaced; not to exceed twelve (12) pages.
• The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• General Merit (25): ideas, organization, wording, flavor
• Mechanics (25): usage, punctuation/capitalization, spelling
• Overall effect (50)

A composition, marked by language chosen for its sound, beauty and evocative power.

Requirements:

• Print one (1) notarized original poem.
• The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number and unit name and number.
• Poems should be typed, using 12 point Times New Roman, Verdana, Georgia, or Comic Sans. Please no other fancy typefaces or graphics. Poems should retain original form that they were created in and do not have to be double-spaced. Individual poems may be free verse or rhymed metrical poetry containing stanzas. Poems should not exceed 3 pages.
• The contestants will be interviewed about their work by a panel of judges.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Emotional Connection (20)-­ Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are writing about and does the poem elicit an emotional response from the reader?
• Original Thought (20) -Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.
• Sequential Development (20) -Does the poem follow a distinct path or does it wander without every really getting to the point. Are there too many things going on in the poem? Is there a strong ending, or is it forced?
• Structure or Form, and Overall Presentation (20) -How is the poem constructed? Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks? Does the poem have a strong title? Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?
• Use of language as it relates to theme (20) - Does the poet use figurative language including vivid imagery, similes, metaphors, hyperbole, or idiom? Is the voice active, are the senses engaged?

A literary composition developed for the stage.

Requirements:

• Upload one (1) original notarized one act play.
• The play must be an original (written only by the contestant).
• The play must be typed and double spaced, not to exceed twenty (20) pages. A one‐page synopsis must be included.
• The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number and unit name and number.

The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Characterization (10) – Is there a protagonist of some type? Is there an antagonist? Are the characters in the play developed? Are the roles defined?
• Clarity (10) – Is the author’s theme and purpose clearly stated?
• Content (25) – Is the subject matter or situation of the play relevant, creative, and/or controversial? 
• Dialogue (10) – Is the word usage or phrasing consistent with the character? Does the dialogue advance the plot line or develop the character’s background?
• Mechanics (10) – Is the manuscript clearly typed? Are there errors in spelling and/or grammar? Are the stage directions clearly stated? Are the settings and characters clearly indicated? 
• Plot (25) – Has the storyline been clearly defined? Has the action of the play been chronologically developed? Is there evidence of: exposition, complication, climax, conclusion
• Style (10) – Has the playwright established a definitive method or style?

A brief examination of a subject in prose usually expressing a personal view or interpretation of a subject or topic.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) notarized Short Story written only by the contestant, with six (6) copies of the notarized original should be submitted on or before the specified deadline. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number and unit name and number.  (Example: Rashida Brownlee, Montgomery County Maryland Branch, Unit 7022.
• The Short Story should have a single story line without subplots, no more than three or four characters, a single viewpoint and a short time scale. The story must be typed, double spaced and between 1000 and 1500 words.
• The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• General Merit (25)
  • Ideas-single storyline, no subplots, 3‐4 character, single viewpoint (2 at most), short time scale
  • Organization – consistent writing style, consistent mood/tone and space
  • Wording – appropriate language, brief descriptions
  • Flavor
• Mechanics (25)
  • Usage
  • Punctuation/capitalization/spelling
• Overall Effect (50) – Minimum background, concise dialogue, no lengthy preamble, no contrived ending

  

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.

Requirements:

• The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• The contestant must have a CD. Contestant may be asked to  upload musical accompaniment online as an MP3 file. The file must contain only the music for the performance.
• The theme and the dance form (ballet, modern, jazz, ethnic, hip hop, etc.) of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.
• Aerobic exercises, street dancing, liturgical/praise dancing, miming, cheerleading and drill team routines may not be used.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Technical proficiency/skill (25)
• Alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination
• Clarity and consistency in style (25)
• Phrasing/dynamics/musicality (25)
• Clarity of intent/interpretation of choreography (25)

To perform a series of rhythmic and highly technical patterned bodily movements usually performed to music using grace and precision.

Requirements:

• The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.) Music to accompany the dance performance should be provided by the contestant via CD and/or thumb drive at the ACT-SO Competition Day.
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• The theme and/or type of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation. Types include: Classical Ballet, Contemporary Ballet, Neo-classical Ballet, or Story Ballet.
• The piece must be performed in ballet slippers/flats, or pointe /demi pointe shoes. Bare feet are only acceptable for Contemporary Ballet.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Technical proficiency/skill (25)
• Alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination
• Clarity and consistency in style (25)
• Phrasing/dynamics/musicality (25)
• Clarity of intent/interpretation of choreography (25)
  
  

To perform a series of rhythmic and technical patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.

Requirements:

• The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.) Contestant should provide their own music to accompany their dance on a CD and/or thumb drive on the ACT-SO Competition Day.
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• The theme and the dance form of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation. Dance forms include: Broadway/Musical Theater, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, and Tap.
• Aerobic exercises, miming, cheerleading and drill team routines may not be used.
   

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria: 

• Technical proficiency/skill (25)
• Alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination
• Clarity and consistency in style (25)
• Phrasing/dynamics/musicality (25)
• Clarity of intent/interpretation of choreography (25)

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music that focuses on the dancer’s interpretations using their emotions and moods to develop choreography.

Requirements:

• The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.) Music that accompanies the dance must be available via CD and/or thumb drive on the ACT-SO Competition Day.
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• The theme of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.
• Each performance must derive from Dunham, Graham, Horton, Humphrey, Limon, or other modern techniques.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Technical Proficiency/Skill (25)
• Alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination
• Clarity and Consistency in Style (25)
• Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality (25)
• Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography (25)
  
  

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music to reflect the life of the people of a certain region or country.

Requirements:

• The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.) Competitor must bring a CD and/or thumb drive with the music to accompany the dance on the ACT-SO Competition Day.
• Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.
• The theme and the dance form (African, Cuban, Afro-Latin, etc.) of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Technical Proficiency/Skill (25)
• Alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination
• Clarity and Consistency in Style (25)
• Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality (25)
• Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography (25)

The art of staging or acting plays.

Requirements:

• The performance must be a minimum of three (3) minutes and maximum of five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the minimum and maximum time requirements are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)
• All material must be from a published play. Students should not perform poems, sermons, stand-up routines, or excerpts from movies.
• The selection must be of literate quality.
• The material must be memorized.
• Costumes, makeup, and props are optional, but not required.
• Puppetry, oratory, and forensic pieces may not be used.
• Monologues from Musical Theatre is permitted, however accompanying songs may not be used as part of the piece.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Projection (10)
• Structure (10pts): Does the performance have transitions/beats and a clear beginning, middle, climax, and end?
• Memorization (10)
• Movement (10): Is the blocking clear and does the actor commit to and follow through with
  his/her movements and gestures?
• Emotional connection and honesty (10): Are you really "selling" that you are becoming this
  character or are you simply "play-acting"?
• Imagination and creativity (15): Are you bringing something different to the piece or are you
  just reciting lines?
• Stage presence (10)
• Character work (10)
• Specificity of acting choices (10): Clear pursuit of actions/objectives
• Creation of the space (5)

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with tones of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by emphasis on balance, clarity and moderation.

Requirements:

• The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances. The performance may be an excerpt and may not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirements are subject to point deduction.)
• Contestants must upload sheet music for their performance.
• If the selection chosen is written with piano accompaniment, it must be performed in that manner.
• The composition to be performed must be consistent with the nature of the instrument and the level of musical proficiency of the performer.
• The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.
• The only instrument provided for the performance will be a piano.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Interpretation, expression, tempo, phrasing, and historically appropriate style (20)
• Tone quality, beauty, control, characteristic, timbre (20)
• Intonation and touch (piano) (20)
• Stage presence, choice of music (20)
• Technique, articulation, breathing, rhythm, facility and accuracy (20)

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with the tones of the present.

Requirements:

• The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances and may not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction.) 
• The selection performed should feature a solo performance. The contestants must provide additional musicians if they are needed for their performance.
• The only instrument provided for performance will be a piano. Contestants must provide additional instruments/equipment as needed.
• The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.
• Examples of contemporary music are R&B, Broadway, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, etc.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Effectiveness of style, improvisation (20)
• Tone quality, beauty, control, characteristic, timbre (20)
• Intonation, touch (piano) (20)
• Stage presence, choice of music (20)
• Technique, articulation, breathing, tonality, rhythm, facility (20)

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by emphasis on balance, clarity and moderation.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) song is to be performed, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)
• Competitors may perform to a CD. Sheet music is required. Contestants must submit six (6) copies of their sheet music.
• The material must be memorized.
• Costumes are not required.
• Live accompaniment is permitted for this competition.
• The only instrument provided for performance will be a piano.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Choice of music (10)
• Diction (25)
  • Correctness of pronunciation
• Interpretation (10)
  • Expression
  • Phrasing
  • Historically appropriate style
  • Tempo
• Intonation (10)
• Stage presence (10)
• Technique (10)
  • Breathing
  • Posture
  • Rhythm
  • Accuracy
• Tone quality (25)
  • Beauty of sound
  • Control

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds to produce music with the tones of the present.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) song is to be performed, and it must not exceed two and a half (2.5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction.)
• Musical accompaniment must be provided by the contestant either live or using a standard CD. The CD should contain only the instrumental version of the song. Contestants are encouraged to provide a backup CD.
• Contestants requesting piano accompaniment must submit sheet music and requests for accompaniment by May 8 , 2020. Sheet music is required at the time of the request. Contestants can also bring an accompanist.
• The material must be memorized.
• Costumes are not permitted.
• Examples of contemporary music are R&B, Broadway, Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Blues, etc.
• Live accompaniment is permitted for this competition.
• The only instrument provided for performance will be a piano.

NOTE: The deadline for submission of national registration documents is May 15, 2020.. No materials or copies will be accepted after that time or at the National Competition.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Choice of Music (15)
  • Matched to vocal ability
• Interpretation (20)
  • Expression, phrasing, style
  • Tempo
  • Arrangement
• Stage Presence (15)
  • Comfort on and control of stage
  • Posture
  • Rapport with audience
• Technique (25)
  • Breathing
  • Posture
  • Rhythm
  • Accuracy
• Tone Quality (25)
  • Beauty of sound
  • Control
  • Intonation and Diction

The art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively. (It is not a dramatic presentation.)

Requirements:

• Only one (1) speech is to be presented, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes.
• The selection of the speech is the decision of the contestant; it should either be an original (written by the contestant) or an excerpt from a speech written by a famous individual or historical figure.
• The speech is not to be presented as a dramatic presentation.
• Costumes and props are not permitted.
• The material must be completely memorized.
• Contestants are encouraged to prepare and deliver original selections. However, if the contestant decides to present a selection already published, we recommend that they not limit their selection to speeches delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There are many great speeches by famous people, such as Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Malcolm X, etc.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Delivery (25): voice, diction, pronunciation , enunciation, gestures, emphasis
• Interpretation (25): content, subject adherence, theme, logic and color
• Platform Presence (25): poise, appeal, impression, attitude and effect
• Projection (25): voice, emphasis, tone, pitch, volume

An original poem or prose performed as a monologue or exchange involving extemporization.

Requirements:

• Print one (1) notarized original poem.
• The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number and unit name and number.
• Poems should be typed, using 12 point Times New Roman, Verdana, Georgia, or Comic Sans. Please no other fancy typefaces or graphics. Poems should retain original form that they were created in and do not have to be double-­‐spaced. Individual poems may be free verse or rhymed metrical poetry containing stanzas. Poems should not exceed 3 pages.
• The contestants must perform their work before a panel of judges.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Emotional/Physical Presence (20)-­‐ Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are presenting? Is the poet demonstrating eye contact, body language and poise?
• Original Thought (20) -­‐ Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.
• Voice and Articulation (20) – Does the poet exhibit appropriate volume, pace, rhythm, intonation and proper pronunciation?
• Structure or Form, and Overall Presentation (20) -­‐ How is the poem constructed? Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks? Does the poem have a strong title? Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?
• Evidence of Understanding/Accuracy (20) – Does the poet comprehend the material they’re presenting and makes the audience understand? Does the poet miss written words or mispronounce words during their recitation?
  
  

Plans for and models of structures and outdoor spaces.

 Examples may include but are not limited to: Building designs, landscape designs, interior designs, urban plans. Can include 2D work such as hand-drawn sketches, computer-aided designs, blueprints, and floor plans, OR 3D work such as scale models made from foam core, balsa wood, cardboard, wooden blocks, polystyrene, found or reused objects, etc.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) original project may be submitted. The project must be the creation of the competing contestant, rather than a replication of another architect’s design.
• Submit six (6) copies of a double-spaced paper to accompany the project. The content of the paper, which should not exceed five (5) pages, should include overall statement of goals and processes, design objectives, the history of the project and execution of the project. The student’s name, page number and branch must be on the top of each page.
• Blueprints of the project must be 24 x 36 inches in length or width. The contestant must also submit a site plan, floor plan, a minimum of two (2) elevations and a section of the design at appropriate scale.
• Contestants are required to conduct a minimum five (5) minutes oral presentation, explaining his/her project. This time limit does not include the time required for the judges to ask questions and the contestant to respond to the judges.
• Contestants are required to construct a scaled model of his or her project. (The national office will provide Display tables and electricity.)
• Contestants must submit a STEM Verification Form from a qualified architect with an earned professional degree or license. This person can also serve as a coach, working closely with the student during the course of the project to ensure the accuracy of the student’s research and qualification for entry.
• Gold medalists advancing to the national competition will be required to upload images of their entries to a designated site.

 Contestants Selections will be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Complexity of project/originality (15 pts)
• Planning and Space Concepts (10pts)
• Aesthetics (10 pts)
• Consistency and validity of design concepts (10 pts)
• Drawings (15 pts)
  • Quality of line work
  • Organization of drawings
• Model (10 pts)
  • Workmanship
  • Scale
• Site analysis/design (15 pts)
  • Construction materials/Methods of construction (5 pts)
• Written statement (5 pts)
  • Explaining project
  • Establishing parameters
  • Identifying project limitations and design objectives
• Verbal presentation (5 pts)

The art of representing forms and figures on a surface by means of lines.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) project can be submitted.
• The National Office will provide easels.
• The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, which will not exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project. Mounting and Matting is preferred.
• The submission should be no larger that 36 inches x 48 inches. Framing is optional
• The oral presentation must not exceed three (3) minutes.
• The contestant must be available answer questions from the judges.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Composition (20 pts)
• Line/form (20 pts)
• Presentation (20 pts)
• Technique/craftsmanship (20 pts)
• Theme (20 pts)
  
  NOTE: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition
   

The art and process of making motion pictures.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) film is to be entered.
• The running time of the film must not exceed five (5) minutes.
• A storyboard or project theme must be associated with the film.

Please Note: Storyboards are NOT stills taken from the film, rather they are original drawings, sketches, etc. completed PRIOR to the execution of the film.

• Only one (1) film is to be entered in DVD format.
• The running time for the film must not exceed five (5) minutes excluding closing credits.
• A playback unit will be provided.
• Two (2) copies of the film should be submitted on a single DVD packaged in a standard 5 1/4 x 7 1/2 plastic DVD case. Do not put labels on the DVD.
• DVD’s must be compatible with standard set-top DVD players.
• The contestant must shoot all footage. The use of stock footage, or any other footage not shot by the contestant will result in immediate disqualification.

Do not simply burn a QuickTime or AVI file to a disc as data. This may render your film unplayable. Make sure your disc plays in a standard DVD player before you submit your entry.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Creative (25 pts)
  • Storyboard (10 pts) - how effectively did the competitor execute the ideas presented on the storyboard in their piece?
  • Originality (15 pts)- Did the competitor try to challenge him/her self to do something different and interesting. Did they have a new and interesting way of retelling an old story/concept? Creativity of approach or concept
• Production (35 pts)
  • Direction/structure (25 pts) – the use of camera, choice of shots to help convey the story, framing, camera movement, clarity of story
• Use of light (10 pts) – Are actors and/or environment lit effectively
• Sound (15 pts)
  • Use of audio effects /music (10 pts(
  • Audibility (5pts) – Is dialogue audible.
• Post Production (25 pts)
  • Editing (20 pts) – Approach in editing to tell the story more effectively.
  • Titles (5 pts)

Art created by applying pigment on a two-dimensional surface with a brush, knife, or hand and/or the manipulation of digital processes with a computer.

Examples include but are not limited to: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, tempera, ink, encaustic, fresco, spray paint, etc. applied on canvas, canvas board, paper, mixed media or any flat surface.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) project can be entered.
• The National Office will provide easels if you request in advance.
• The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, which will not exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project.
• The contestant must be available to answer questions from the judges.
• The submission should be no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches. Framing is optional.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Color (20 pts)
• Composition (20 pts)
• Craft (20 pts)
• Line/Form (20 pts)
• Theme (20 pts)

* A portion reprinted with permission from the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers**

The process, art and technique of capturing images with an analog or digital camera.

Examples include but are not limited to: Black and white photographs, color photographs, digital or analog photographs, photograms, other experimental photography, etc.

Requirements:

• No more than six (6) photographs can be submitted or one (1) collage of work.
• The photographs and/or mounting boards must be no larger than 20x16 inches and mounted on white, black, or gray color boards.
• The contestant is required to make a minimum three (3) minute oral presentation, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project.
• The National Office will provide display tables.
• All photos must be the contestants’ original work. Contestants entering unoriginal work will be disqualified.
• Composite images, and photomontages are permitted, however, each element of the composite image/photomontage must be the student’s original photograph. Digital composites are allowed.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Choice of Medium (15)
• Cleanness (15)
• Composition (20 pts)
• Effective use of light (35 pts)
• Viewer Involvement (15)

* A portion reprinted with permission from the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers**

The art of making three-dimensional forms or designs.

Requirements:

• Only one (1) project can be entered.
• The National Office will provide display table space.
• Each contestant is required to make an oral presentation explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project not exceed three (3) minutes.
• Craft projects (i.e. ceramics, macramé, etc.) will not be accepted

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Concept (20 pts)
• Composition (20 pts)
• Craftsmanship (20 pts)
• How well the medium was applied (20 pts)
• 3-Dimensional Form (20 pts)