Let's Write!

Essay
The essay is to be well written and between 500-700 words, and include a reference listing. (The reference listing does not count as a part of the word count.) It is to be submitted with the Essay Form found on page A-53 in the "Teacher Handbook." Be sure to include your "word count at the end of the essay."

As you begin the essay, consider creative methods for your students to find information. They may conduct an interview or a survey, a case study or experiment, go on a field trip, along with both Internet and library research.

Essay Topic - "Keeping Our Future City's Infrastructure Healthy: Using Nanotechnology To Monitor City Structures and Systems." (ref page A-13 in the Handbook).

• Requirements of the Essay are found on page A-13 in the Handbook.
• Remember, you'll need to cite at least three references in an attached reference listing.
• Sample essays and abstracts from previous winners can be found at: www.futurecity.org/alumni_profiles.shtm#
• Essay references: www.futurecity.org/resources_essayreference.shtm
• For more suggestions see B-65 in the Handbook. www.futurecity.org/docs/2008_Teachers_Handbook_B.pdf

While composing the essay, encourage students to really listen to each other's suggestions. Occasionally a student will want to dominate the session in lieu of other's ideas. Guide the students in making a group decision when conflict arises.

• Remember, the competition is also about learning teamwork.

Abstract
The "Future City Abstract" is a 300-500 word narrative designed to give a concise description of your city and some of its services. It is used to highlight important components. You will find that with most of the discussion and work on the model completed to this point, that the abstract follows a logical tract that makes it "almost write itself." The abstract is to be submitted along with the essay. Information about the Abstract requirements found on page A-17 in the Handbook.

Essay and Abstract Submittals

• -5 points if received after Tuesday, January 8, 2008
• -2 points if the essay form and/or abstract form is incomplete or missing

The Essay Form (pg A-53 in the Handbook) needs to be filled out, signed and attached to the essay. The Abstract Form (pg A-57 in the Handbook) needs to be filled out, signed and attached to the abstract. Teams will need to place the word count at the end of the Essay and Abstract they submit. This is easy if you use Microsoft Word to count the words (tools/word count).

E-Mail
The preferred method of submitting your essay and abstract is by e-mail. If you e-mail your essay and abstract, it must be in a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. If you e-mail your submittals, either include PDF files of your signed Essay Form and Abstract Form or follow up by mailing your signed Essay Form and Abstract Form in the US mail. There will not be a late penalty if the e-mail with the Essay and Abstract is received by Tuesday, January 8, 2008. Jeanne Harshbarger is the person on our committee that will be handling the essay submittals. Her e-mail address is jeanne.harshbarger@pse.com.

US Mail
If you mail your essay and abstract in the US mail, make sure they are postmarked by Tuesday, January 8, 2008. They can be mailed to:

Jeanne Harshbarger
Puget Sound Energy
P.O. Box 90868; EST-04W
Bellevue, WA 98009-0868

If you submit your essay and abstract in the US mail, you must also send Jeanne an e-mail by Tuesday, January 8, 2008 to let her know that it is coming. We need to know how many essay/abstracts are being submitted so that we can make judging assignments.

FAX
We cannot accept submittals by FAX. All Essay and Abstract submittals must be by e-mail or US Mail.