Themes

One of the requirements for entering a product into the media competition is listing its theme. Listed below are examples of themes from previous competitions. Remember, a good theme articulates an idea in a single sentence.

A. Many different plants and animal live in North American habitats.

B. The landscape of the Hudson River Valley, which has inspired many great American artists, continues to inspire and nurture artists today.

C. The fort explores Arkansas' influence on American popular music in an interpretive introductory DVD presentation.

D. The Smith family was a unique pioneer family whose homestead became a focal point for social, sporting, and scientific activities of their time.

E. Despite negative stereotypes to the contrary, traveling across Kansas can be fascinating as travelers experience in a landscape rich in history and beauty.

D. Studying fossils is hard work but fun and helps us understand the secrets of the Earth's past.

E. A lighthouse is a lifeline for mariners and the keeper's role is essential.

Description of Entry

With a one hundred word limit, descriptions need to be concise, and to the point. Summarize the project and make certain the narrative has the following elements:

· A physical description of the product or project
· Location (where appropriate)
· Delivery method
· Why this interpretive medium was chosen.

For example:

"132 pages, 8 1/8 x 11 1/4 soft cover book. A full color publication with new photography, historical images, maps, and geologic illustrations. The author's ability to engage readers in understanding the scientific processes that shape glaciers makes this information accessible to a large audience. In order for the book to be comprehensive, it warranted a larger book than we normally produce."

Purpose/Objective of Entry

Give the judges who read these applications a concise review of the chief purpose of the entry and specific, measurable objectives in terms of how the audeince will be effected. For example:

"The purpose of the book is to expose the average visitor to the geologic diversity of the Lake and the surrounding countryside. After reading the booklet, the visitor will be able to explain how coulees were created; identify at least two types of basalt in the park; and provide two examples of evidence of an ice age flood".