The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward invites students in grades three through 12 to enter a unique contest for "Operation Squid."
The inspiration is two giant squid that washed up on an Aleutian beach and were donated to the center. On June 2, the center will host special events for all ages focused on squid.
Students are invited to submit original essays about squid. Essays must be typed, no more than two pages long and include at least five facts about squid. The facts may deal with biology, commercial use or conservation issues. Essays must be postmarked no later than April 6 and sent to: Operation Squid Essay Contest, Alaska SeaLife Center, P.O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664-1329.
Organizers request no electronic submissions, no faxes and no phone calls. Questions should be e-mailed to squid@ alaskasealife.org.
Essays will be judged in three age categories: grades three through five, six through eight and nine through 12. Winners will be notified in May.
Winners will receive free transportation to Seward, lodging in a hotel there and the opportunity to join scientists in dissecting a 12-foot-long squid while the public watches via closed circuit television.