WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) and JASON Learning are once again inviting young filmmakers, artists, and recycling advocates to participate in a contest that asks young people to build awareness around the variety of items that can be recycled. The theme of this year's contest is "Bigger than the Bin." Students in grades K–12 are challenged to select an item that is too big for the blue bin, research how that item is recycled, and create an original video or poster on the subject.
"Often people's knowledge of recycling and the associated benefits are limited to their experience with the blue bins found at home," said Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. "Yet, the industry is much bigger than the blue bin, including the use of many different aspects of science, technology, engineering, and math. This contest opens up a whole new world of recycling for children to explore. It gives them the opportunity to learn about the many economic and environmental benefits of recycling, while furthering their creativity and perhaps putting them on a path to a career in recycling."
"In everything we do at JASON we try to link kids to the real-world applications of the STEM subjects they study in school," said Patrick Shea, JASON's Executive Vice President. "Contests such as this one are a fun way for them to explore areas of STEM that they might otherwise never think of, or make a personal connection with. When they do, we're always amazed at the depth of their understanding, and the creativity they put into sharing what they've learned. We can't wait to see what they come up with for this year's theme--it offers such a wide range of possibilities."
The contest is open to all students living in the United States and enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2015-16 school year. Entrants must create an original video or poster in the style of an infomercial or awareness campaign to illustrate the process and challenges that go along with recycling their chosen item into a reusable form. Top entries will be used to help educate the public on what can be done with an item that doesn't fit in the traditional blue bin. One poster will be selected as a finalist from each of three grade bands: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12; and one video will be selected as a finalist from each of two grade bands: 5-8 and 9-12, with two overall grand-prize winners awarded.
Entries must be submitted by December 18, 2015, and the winners will be notified by March 1, 2016. Prizes for the finalists include being featured on the JASON and ISRI websites, a year of JASON online access, a contest t-shirt, a certificate, and, for the grand prize winners, a trip to Las Vegas, April 2-7, 2016, with a parent or guardian to participate in ISRI's Annual Convention and Exposition. Additional information about the contest, including all rules, tips, and how to enter can be found online.
This marks the third year ISRI and JASON Learning have teamed up on an art contest. Last year's theme was Automobile Recycling. In the 2013-2014, the topic was Cell Phone Recycling.
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the Voice of the Recycling Industry™. ISRI represents more than 1,600 companies in 21 chapters nationwide that process, broker and industrially consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute provides safety, education, advocacy, and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.
JASON Learning JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Named for the mythological Greek explorer, JASON's mission is to transform STEM teaching and learning by connecting students and teachers with real science, real STEM role models, and real exploration through world-class curriculum, teacher training, and other innovative programs.