End of year science awards
End of year science awards are tradition in some schools, and just a nice “feel good” moment in other schools. I print certificates with the color copier, although I have occasionally sprung for mini trophies or medals that I doctor up with my Cricut. Use school colors, add your official signature, and maybe even a gold seal.
Who gets an award? Some schools like to give every student an award. That’s not my style – if everyone gets one, then an award loses its value. By this time of year, you know which students will value an award and which will throw it away – I try to make sure the kids who actually will care always get something.
What awards do you give? I avoid awards that are insults (i.e. the Sulfur Award for the smelliest kid) for obvious reasons, but I’m ok with a little tongue in cheek. I think it’s great if you can name your awards after something scientific. Here are some clever ideas for end of the year awards you can give to your middle school science students.
Scientist Themed Awards:
- Albert Einstein Award: For the student who demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities in science.
- Marie Curie Award: For the student who consistently adhered to safety protocols and demonstrated responsibility in the laboratory.
- Nikola Tesla Award: For the student with the electric personality.
- Rachel Carson Award: For the student who actively promoted environmental awareness and sustainable practices in the classroom.
- Alan Turing Award: For the student who demonstrated exceptional skills and enthusiasm in utilizing technology for scientific research and presentations.
- Galileo Galilei Award: For the student who excelled in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data accurately and effectively.
- Charles Darwin Award: For the student who showed a strong connection and appreciation for the natural world and its scientific wonders.
- Tycho Brahe Award: For the student who consistently maintained well-organized and comprehensive science notes.
- Neils Bohr Award: For the student with revolutionary ideas.
- Thomas Edison Award: For the student who consistently displayed determination and resilience in overcoming challenges in science.
- Isaac Newton Award: For the student who demonstrated inertia – always (or never) in motion.
- Jane Goodall Award: For the student who took care of the class pets (or saved the bumble bee that accidentally got in the window).
- Leonardo daVinci Award: For the student whose drawings were exceptional.
- Louis Pasteur Award: For the student who demonstrated persistence and perseverance.
- Alexander Graham Bell Award: For the student with excellent communication skills.
- Edwin Hubble Award: For the student who shared creative ideas.
- Rosalind Franklin Award: For the student who saw through challenges and found solutions others couldn’t see.
- Carl Sagan Award: For excellence in creative projects.
- Watson and Crick Award: For exceptional partnership
- Dmitri Mendeleyev Award: For the student with tremendous organizational skills.
- George Washington Carver Award: For the student who cared for the class plants.
- Mae Jemison Award: For the student who bravely led the way into uncharted territory.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson Award: For the student who creatively expressed ideas in a way that everyone could understand.
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Chemistry Themed Awards:
- Hydrogen Award: For the student whose uplifting energy brightens up any room.
- Oxygen Award: For the student who was essential to his/her lab group.
- Carbon Award: For the student that was the building block of every class discussion.
- Silicon Award: For the student who was able to make the technology work.
- Iron Award: For a strong science student.
- Sodium Award: For the most dramatic and creative student.
- Copper Award: For the student with excellent communication skills.
- Gold Award: For the student with the highest GPA.
- Silver Award: For the student whose lab reports are polished.
- Titanium Award: For the most reliable student
- Neon Award: For the student who always stands out.
- Fluorine Award: For the student with the friendliest smile.
- H2O Award: For the student that everyone depended on.
- Sodium Chloride Award: For the student that made every day a little better.
- Sucrose Award: For the sweetest student.
- Nitrous Oxide Award: For the student who makes everyone laugh.
- Sodium Bicarbonate Award: For the student who could bring everyone’s mood up.
- Acetaminophen Award: For the student who made everyone feel better.
- Covalent Bond Award: Given to two students who are always together, best friends.
- Proton Award: For the student with the most positive attitude.
- Periodic Table Award: For the student who showed great organizational skills all year.
- Evaporation Award: For the student who’s a gas to be around.
- Condensation Award: For the student who brings others together.
Let’s talk about this – what’s your policy on end of year awards? What’s your favorite award to give?