Science Unsealed is thrilled with the success from our first poetry contest, so we’re coming at you with another. This time, it’s all about the rhymes. Show us your best science limerick!
Here is our entry form.
In case you need a refresher, here are the details of a limerick:
- A limerick has 5 lines, and each is a phrase.
- The first, second, and fifth lines must have 7-10 syllables while rhyming and having the same verbal rhythm. The third and fourth lines should only have 5-7 syllables; they too rhyme with each other and have the same rhythm. See details here.
- A limerick is often humorous.
Here’s an example by esteemed limerick poet, Ogden Nash:
A wonderful bird is the pelican,
His bill holds more than his belican.
He can take in his beak,
Enough food for a week,
But I’m damned if I see how the helican.
-Ogden Nash
Contest Requirements
Your limerick must fit into one of our very broad categories:
- Biology ‘n’ brains
- Space, time, and waves
- Robots
- Nature/climate
- Bonus CATegory: cats! (Who doesn’t like a poem about cats?)
Submit your best original Science Limerick using this form, and make sure to indicate the category. You can enter as many times as you like. The deadline to submit your limerick is 6/6/2020. Your limerick must follow the traditional format. To be eligible to win, you must provide us with your first and last name and your email address.
Winning
Knowing your audience is always a plus, so keep in mind that ISC is a nonpartisan group, and that we are a bunch of science-enthusiasts. Your winning poem will be featured on ISC’s social media accounts, and you might even get a cool science prize! You’ll be credited and you’ll get to keep the rights to your poem. Winners will be selected by the Illinois Science Council Associates Board by 7/1/2020. Winners will be notified by email.
Excited about this? Great! Keep an eye out for our quarterly science poetry contests featuring sci-ku and sonnets, and maybe even a science-themed poetry slam.
Our contest opens today, so get those creative juices flowing!
