The Children’s Fossil Competition 2023
Have you ever found a fossil? Maybe you have a collection of fossils? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your fossil on display at a fossil museum where thousands of visitors will get to see it? Are you a kid aged between 5-16 who lives in the UK? If your answer is a big YES to all those questions, then The Etches Collection – Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Dorset has a very exciting competition starting on March 31st, 2023, and we want you to enter! We are partnering with the wonderful people at Foster Care Associates and PetroStrat to bring you The Children’s Fossil Competition 2023! Here is a little bit more about the competition…
This competition is for children to earn the chance to display their fossil finds alongside the collection on display at The Etches Collection – Museum of Jurassic Marine Life
The competition has two age ranges: 5-10 and 11-16. There are 6 winners in total, 3 from each age range.
Every child who enters the competition will receive a personal annual pass to the museum that is valid for a year.
The competition will be open to all UK residents between 5 and 16 years old. (Must have parent/guardian permission to enter).
The competition window is open March 31st, 2023 – September 1st, 2023, where the children will have time to submit their entry form along with a written paper, presentation or video explaining where the fossil was discovered, what it is and why they believe it should be on display at the museum. No fossils are to be submitted at this stage in the process.
Winners will be notified via email in October 2023 and then arrangements will be made for their winning fossil to be collected via third party courier. Applicants are responsible for the packaging of their fossil, making sure it is secure for transport. The costs will be covered by The Etches Collection and the competition’s sponsors. Please note that The Etches Collection or competition sponsors will not be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
The 6 winners will have their fossil on display at the museum for 12 months. The winners and their family will have the opportunity to visit the museum where they will receive a free family pass for entrance to the museum (2 Adults, 2 Children - Annual Pass), along with the opportunity to meet Dr. Steve Etches, MBE to talk about their fossil. There will be photo opportunities and they will receive a special certificate. Winners will be displayed on all social and digital media platforms. All submissions will receive an e-certificate of appreciation for their efforts.
HOW TO ENTER:
Each child will have to submit their application in a format that is accessible via email (applications such as Microsoft Word and PDF are encouraged) and we would also welcome and strongly encourage children to make their own videos and be as creative and unique as possible. Initially we are only requesting photos and videos and written descriptions so the judges can examine the application before requesting submission of the fossil itself. They will be able submit their entry via email (fossilcomp@theetchescollection.org).
The winners (3 from each age range) will have submitted their entries with signed parental/guardian consent to the museum by the competition closing date. Winners will be judged not only on their fossil, but how they present their fossil, showing initiative and maybe a unique style such as a video, or other style. Knowledge of subject matter is important too. Important information that is needed from each applicant: Name, age, school, town, or city and where they found the fossil.
We wholeheartedly encourage families to lend their support to a child’s entry into the competition, especially in relation to the technical/digital support, such as email and creating viewable files.
The competition is free to enter for all UK residence between the ages of 5-16 years old, with parental/guardian consent form complete.
We must receive entries by 12 noon on September 1st, 2023. Any entry which is late, incomplete, or inappropriate will be deemed invalid at the discretion of The Etches Collection.
Step-by-Step Guide
Application Form
Permission Form
IDEAS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ENTRY:
Make sure your message is clear.
All text should be short, simple, and descriptive.
Make sure you answer the question “Why should your fossil be on display at The Etches Collection?”
Any images of fossils must be in colour, be clear and visually appealing.
All videos submitted must be clear both visually and audibly, and no longer than 5 minutes.
SAFETY:
Please note, we encourage all fossil collecting to be done within the recommended safety and conservation guidelines of your chosen fossil collecting site. It is important that you abide by the fossil collecting code. Please familiarise yourself with The Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s Fossil Collecting Policy Statement.
ALWAYS remember to wear the correct protective gear, such as: Hard hat, High visibility jacket, Safety glasses, Hammering glove, Walking boots.
You can also visit our webpage on The Fossil Collecting Code.
Here is another great resource for fossil collecting from the UK Fossils Network.
If you have any further questions about this competition, please email us at fossilcomp@theetchescollection.org