The purpose of this competition is to promote original creative writing and illustrations, to develop presentation skills and to focus on the importance of using informative/explanatory writing to increase the understanding of the reader about a certain topic.
Creating an informational book will give you the opportunity to develop and learn key elements and vocabulary about a science or social studies topic and to share this information with an audience. This experience will also allow you to gain a deep understanding of the topic.
The first step is to decide what topic you would like to learn about. A list of topics is provided for you to choose from, however, you are not limited to those topics. If you are studying a topic of interest to you in science or social studies, then by all means pursue it!
The second step is to research and read about the topic, you will have a lot to write about. Suggestions for references would be 3 – 4 books on the topic and 3 – 4 websites.
The third step is to read, read, read the books and websites you have found on your topic. While reading write down important and interesting facts about what you are learning about your topic. From your notes, begin to organize the information in a way that you want to present it in your book. The content of your book must clearly reflect researched information that is accurate and informative.
Some suggested topics for informational books:
SCIENCE | SOCIAL STUDIES |
Plants and Plant Growth | Geography of Asia |
Animals and their Needs | Geography of Africa |
The Human Body | Geography of North America |
Seasons and Weather | Geography of Europe |
Taking Care of the Earth | Geography of Antarctica |
Earth | Geography of Australia |
Living Things and their Environment | Geography of South America |
Habitats | Geography of Continental United States |
Oceans and Underwater Life | Geography of Alaska |
Environmental Change and Habitat Destruction | Geography of Hawaii |
Matter | Native Americans, Past and Present |
Electricity | Early Exploration |
Life Cycles | Symbols and Figures of Democracy |
Water Cycle | |
Insects | |
Magnetism | |
Click here to download the guidelines for the 2019 Writing Creative Non-Fiction competition