How to run a student science-song contest
A science-song contest gives students a reason to research a topic closely, explain it in their own words and share it. The keys are clear rules, a rubric that rewards scientific accuracy above musical polish, and careful handling of recordings of children.
Student science-song contests are not new: the Science Songwriters’ Association, whose website was once hosted at this address, ran contests for students in the early 2000s. This site is not connected with the SSA. The guide below is a fresh template you can adapt for a class, a school or a district.
Rules template
Copy, adapt and hand out a one-page version of these rules:
- Who can enter: students in grades [X–Y] at [school or district]. Solo entries or groups of up to four.
- Topic: any science (or math) concept from this year’s curriculum. One concept per song.
- Length: 1 to 3 minutes.
- Lyrics: must be original and written by the students. Teachers and parents may give feedback but not write lines.
- Tune: an original melody or a public-domain tune (published in 1930 or earlier in the US, such as “Yankee Doodle” or “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”). No current pop songs, so entries can be shared without permission problems.
- What to submit: typed lyrics, a list of 2–3 sources used to check the facts, and an audio or video recording (or a live performance on the contest day).
- Consent: a signed parent or guardian form for every student who appears or is heard in a recording.
- Deadline: [date]. Late entries are not judged.
- Judging: by [number] judges, including at least one science teacher, using the published rubric.
Categories by grade
| Category | Grades | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Early elementary | K–2 | Whole-class songs with teacher help; simple facts (seasons, animal groups) |
| Upper elementary | 3–5 | Small groups; one process or list (water cycle, states of matter) |
| Middle school | 6–8 | Individuals or groups; a concept with cause and effect (photosynthesis, plate tectonics) |
| High school | 9–12 | Individuals or groups; detailed content (cell respiration, chemical bonding, genetics) |
If entries are few, merge categories rather than awarding a prize to a single entrant.
Scoring rubric
Scientific accuracy carries the most weight, because a catchy song with a mistake teaches the mistake. Musical skill counts least, so students who are not trained musicians can still win.
| Criterion | Points | Full marks look like |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific accuracy | 40 | Every factual line is correct; simplifications are reasonable for the grade level; sources listed |
| Clarity of explanation | 20 | A listener who knows nothing about the topic learns the main idea |
| Use of vocabulary | 15 | Key terms used correctly and in context |
| Fit of words to music | 15 | Syllables and stresses match the tune; words are easy to hear |
| Creativity and appeal | 10 | Original ideas, memorable chorus, engaging performance |
Judges score separately and the scores are averaged. For accuracy, give judges the lyrics and the students’ source list in advance so they can check facts properly. A useful tie-breaker: the higher accuracy score wins.
Consent for recordings of minors
- Follow your school or district’s media-release policy. Many schools already have a standard form.
- Get written consent from a parent or guardian before recording, and state exactly where the recording will appear (classroom only, school website, public video site).
- Let families say yes to audio but no to video, or yes to the school site but no to public platforms.
- Do not publish students’ full names, faces with names, or the school’s location details together. First names or group names are usually enough.
- Store recordings on school-approved systems, not personal accounts.
- Students can withdraw: remove a recording if a family asks.
Copyright of tunes
Performing a song in a classroom is generally allowed in the US, but posting a recording online is a separate matter. New lyrics on a current pop song can still infringe the melody. Requiring original or public-domain tunes avoids the problem. Ask entrants to name their tune and its source. Our page on tunes, lyrics and copyright explains the rules in more detail.
Decide in advance who owns the entries. A simple approach: the students keep their rights, and the entry form asks families whether they agree to share the song under a Creative Commons license so other classes can use it.
Prizes that cost nothing
- Performing the winning song at a school assembly or science fair.
- Featuring the song (with consent) on the school website or newsletter.
- A certificate signed by the principal or a local scientist.
- Choosing the class playlist, or the topic for a review day.
- A visit to another class to teach them the song.
- Recording the song with a music teacher’s help.
Sharing winners safely
- Check consent forms against every face and voice in the recording.
- Publish on a school-controlled channel first. If you use a public video site, consider unlisted videos and turn off comments.
- Credit students by first name, grade and school name only if families agreed.
- Post the lyrics as text with the video, so viewers can read and check the science.
- Add the license and the tune’s source in the description.