SCOPE CONTESTS

April 2024

Deadline

May 20, 2024

Killer Smog Contest

What positive changes came from the Great Smog of 1952? In what ways can we continue to clean up the air today? Answer these questions in a well-organized essay. Use text evidence from the article and sidebars.

Prize

Turtles of the Midnight Moon by María José Fitzgerald


Alcatraz Contest

Compare Esther Faulk’s two poems. How is Alcatraz presented in each? Based on Cowen’s article, which view of Alcatraz did Jolene have?

Prize

Jailbreak at Alcatraz by Tom Sullivan


Holmes Contest

Imagine you are one of the characters involved in the case of the Musgrave Ritual. Write a diary entry as that character, describing the events of the story and your thoughts and feelings.

Prize

The Plot to Kill a Queen by Deborah Hopkinson


Don’ut Contest

Over the course of the story, what does Nadia come to realize about what makes a special day special? Answer in a well-organized paragraph. Use text evidence.

Prize

The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye.


Root Power Contest

Read “The Rehearsal.” Then follow these steps: 1. Write down the meaning of each word in purple. Use context clues or, if needed, a dictionary. 2. Find another word that contains the prefix extra. 3. Write a sentence using that word and draw a picture that shows the word’s meaning.

Prize

a $20 Scholastic gift card


March 2024

Deadline

April 22, 2024

Escape from Darkness Contest

The Holocaust was a time of great horror and tragedy. Yet there were also acts of courage and hope. Explain how the rescue of Jewish Danes was an act of courage and hope.

Prize

Harboring Hope by Susan Hood.


Fame Contest

Fame is thought of as grand, public recognition, but in this poem, fame is something different. Explain what being famous means in this poem.

Prize

A Scope notebook


Gone Again Contest

Think about how Kiera’s attitude about her new home changes over the course of the story and why. Then imagine you’re Kiera. Write an email to Chris about your new home.

Prize

A Scope notebook


Failure Contest

Imagine your friend has experienced a failure: They didn’t get the lead in the school play. Write to your friend with advice about how to turn their failure into a positive experience, based on information from both articles.

Prize

Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera


Root Power Contest

Read “The Time Capsule.” Then follow these steps: 1. Write down the meaning of each word in green. Use context clues or, if needed, a dictionary. 2. Find another word that contains the root chron. 3. Write a sentence using that word and draw a picture that shows the word’s meaning.

Prize

a Scope notebook


Sybil Ludington Contest

It’s May 1777, and you are a reporter for The Patriot Gazette. Write an article about what Sybil Ludington did, the outcome, and what was special about her actions.

Prize

Scar by J. Albert Mann


February 2024

Deadline

March 18, 2024

Heart Saver Contest

Your legacy is how you are remembered and the contributions you make during your life. What is Vivien Thomas’s legacy? 

Prize

Breakthrough! by Jim Murphy


Insects Contest

Do you think insects could ever become a staple of the American diet? Why or why not? Draw from both “Would You Eat This?” and “Gross! Yuck! Ew!” to support your ideas.

Prize

Bugs for Breakfast by Mary Boone


Twins Contest

To outwit someone is to beat them through cleverness. How do the twins outwit the lords of the underworld? Answer in an essay, using text evidence from the play.

Prize

The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes


They Might Be Dangerous Contest

Consider the last line of the story: “She knew what she had to do.” What does Alia have to do? What happens after the watchers arrive? Write a sequel to the story that answers these questions. Be sure to stay true to the characters.

Prize

Project F by Jeanne DuPrau


Root Power Contest

Read “A Star's Secret.” Then follow these steps: 1. Write down the meaning of each word in blue. Use context clues or, if needed, a dictionary. 2. Find another word that contains the prefix auto. 3. Write a sentence using that word and draw a picture that shows the word’s meaning.

Prize

a $20 Scholastic gift card


Ode Contest

Write an ode to something connected to cooking or eating, using “Ode to El Molcajete” as a model.

Prize

a $20 Scholastic gift card


Text-to-Speech