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Statewide Video Contest

Dear Educators:

We invite your 5th-8th Grade classrooms to participate in Illinois EPA’s Video Contest. The theme of the 2027 competition is Water Pollution? We have a solution! inviting students to think about water pollution, where it comes from, and how to prevent it, especially in our drinking water sources. The 2027 contest theme highlights water quality issues, how and what pollution can end up in drinking water, and how everyone can contribute to protecting water resources. Watersheds are an integral part of any ecosystem as is the waterbody itself. Reducing nonpoint source pollution and using appropriate filters for your drinking water are easy ways to ensure safe drinking water.

Groups of 5 or more students may submit one 60 second video to the competition. Videos can include animation, live filmed compoents, text, music--get creative! All submissions must be uploaded to YouTube for judging.  Winners will be recognized on Illinois EPA's website and social media channels. The top three entries will recieve classroom science kits and a certificate!

Additional details about the competition are available for download below. The “Participation Packet” includes the competition rules and required forms that need to be included with each entry. 

Please submit completed materials and student entries to the following email address: EPA.contest@illinois.gov

If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Morris (kristi.morris@illinois.gov) or Eli Dollarhide (eli.dollarhide@illinois.gov). We look forward to receiving your submissions and watching your work!

Contest Materials:

Participation Packet – Including guidelines, entry and release forms. Please note a signature is required on the release form and all fields must be completed.

Contest timetable:

Throughout January 2027

Educators discuss the importance of drinking water, causes and sources of pollution, and ways this resource can be conserved and protected.

Students create, produce, and upload a video related the the theme: Water pollution? We have a solution!

February 1, 2027
Videos are uploaded on YouTube; entry form with link and consent form must be submitted to: EPA.contest@illinois.gov

Throughout February 2027
Judging

April 2027
Winners announced

Informational resources can be found on the following web sites:

  • Illinois EPA curriculum units:

o   Why is the Pond Green?  https://pathways.mste.illinois.edu/curriculum/surface-water

o   How Does My Environment Affect Me? https://pathways.mste.illinois.edu/curriculum/environmental-justice

o   What is nonpoint source pollution? https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/nonpoint-sources/what-is-nonpoint-source-pollution.html

  • US EPA

o   Drinking Water Activities for Students and Teachers: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/drinking-water-activities-students-and-teachers

o   Lesson Plans, Teachers Guides, and Online Resources for Water: https://www.epa.gov/students/lesson-plans-teacher-guides-and-online-environmental-resources-educators-water

o   How’s My Waterway?: https://mywaterway.epa.gov/