Hudson Data Jam Competition

# Hudson Data Jam Competition For twelve years the Hudson Data Jam has challenged students to make data "sing." Run by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York, the competition asks student teams to graph, analyze, and creatively interpret real Hudson River watershed data for a public audience, presenting a compelling, accurate data-based story drawn from local science. ## What You'll Do - Pick from dozens of local datasets collected by Cary Institute ecologists and partners including Scenic Hudson and Riverkeeper - Graph and analyze the data, then identify a trend worth telling the public about - Write a scientific report using the official Hudson Data Jam report form (55% of the score) - Build an interpretive creative component - a graphic, song, video, sculpture, computer game, puppet show, children's book, skit, or exhibit - Submit online for judging by scientists, artists, and educators, then attend the virtual awards ceremony ## Who Should Apply Middle and high school students in the Hudson Valley region, working alone, in small teams, or as a whole class. A modified Junior Data Jam runs for elementary students. Every participant needs an adult adviser - a teacher, parent, guardian, or mentor - who completes the registration and collects student consent forms. ## Outcomes Traditional Data Jam prizes include $400 for best overall project and $200 for each level winner, plus honorable mentions and sponsor prizes, all awarded at the virtual Awards Ceremony & Celebration. Students walk away with data-analysis, scientific-writing, and science-communication experience grounded in their own watershed.