The Hudson River Valley has been intensely studied by scientists for decades, but many of the river’s science stories are not well known by the people who call the Hudson home.

Once again, Cary Institute educators are challenging middle school and high school students to creatively tell the stories of Hudson Valley environmental data in its annual Hudson Data Jam competition.

This competition is open to all middle and high school students interested in science and/or art.  Hudson Data Jam participants can hone their data interpretation, communication, and teamwork skills while gaining a better understanding of their local environment.

Students can work individually or as part of a team, and must have an adult coach. Last year, two hundred and two students from twenty schools participated in the Data Jam. Projects explored everything from deer populations to water chemistry using video, song, dance, poetry, visual art and more.

Registration forms are due April 29; final project submissions must be received by May 20. Teams that register by February 2 will qualify for a classroom Data Jam workshop with a Cary Educator. Projects will be judged by a panel of scientists, educators, and artists, with cash prizes awarded to the top middle school and high school projects.

Projects will be displayed for the public and winners will be announced at the Hudson Data Jam Expo. The Expo is scheduled for the Cary Institute’s Conference Center on June 12 from 5 to 7 pm. To see examples of creative science-based stories and last year’s winning projects, visit the Hudson Data Jam on the Cary Institute’s website.

For more information about the Hudson Data Jam, contact India Futterman at caryeducation@caryinstitute.org, or call (845) 677-7600 x 190.

The Hudson Data Jam was made possible in part through funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund through the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Marist College and Central Hudson help sponsor the event.