The Kids Philosophy Slam is an annual program designed to make philosophy fun and accessible to all kids in grades K—12, as well as to help promote critical thinking skills and encourage dialogue with other students and adults. The Philosophy Slam asks kids to answer a philosophical question such as "What is the meaning of life?" Depending on their age, kids can express themselves in words, artwork, poetry or song. Each grade level has its own national winner, and the top four high school students debate the question at the national finals. The winner earns the title of "The Most Philosophical Student in America" Schools from across the country compete for the title of "The Most Philosophical School in America."

The Kids Philosophy Slam is much more than an academic competition. It provides resources for teachers and students, internship opportunities for younger kids and volunteer and mentoring opportunities for high school students, college students, parents and teachers.

Submit a response to a philosophical question such as "What is the meaning of life?" Depending on their age, kids can express themselves in words, artwork, poetry or song.

Entries in kindergarten to 2nd grade category will be judged on creativity, originality and overall strength of the message the student is conveying. A national winner will be chosen from each grade level. Younger students may respond to revised questions.

The 3rd - 5th grades will be judged on creativity, originality and overall strength of the message the student is conveying. A national winner will be chosen from each grade level. A national winner for best artwork will also be selected.

Judging the 6th - 8th grade will be based on the following criteria: Originality and creativity, strength of philosophical argument, spelling and grammar. A national winner will be chosen from each grade. A national musical winner will also be selected.

A panel of philosophers, educators and parents will conduct the judging. High school judging is based on the following criteria: Strength of philosophical argument, originality and creativity, clarity, basis of the essay in personal experience if applicable, spelling and grammar. The top two finalists from each state will be selected for the semi-final round, and then four finalists will be selected and announced.

Website: http://www.philosophyslam.org/

Managing Organization:

Contact:

info@philosophyslam.org

Eligibility:
Kindergarten to 12th grade students

The Kids Philosophy Slam is an annual program designed to make philosophy fun and accessible to all kids in grades K—12, as well as to help promote critical thinking skills and encourage dialogue with other students and adults. The Philosophy Slam asks kids to answer a philosophical question such as "What is the meaning of life?" Depending on their age, kids can express themselves in words, artwork, poetry or song. Each grade level has its own national winner, and the top four high school students debate the question at the national finals. The winner earns the title of "The Most Philosophical Student in America" Schools from across the country compete for the title of "The Most Philosophical School in America."

The Kids Philosophy Slam is much more than an academic competition. It provides resources for teachers and students, internship opportunities for younger kids and volunteer and mentoring opportunities for high school students, college students, parents and teachers.

Submit a response to a philosophical question such as "What is the meaning of life?" Depending on their age, kids can express themselves in words, artwork, poetry or song.

Entries in kindergarten to 2nd grade category will be judged on creativity, originality and overall strength of the message the student is conveying. A national winner will be chosen from each grade level. Younger students may respond to revised questions.

The 3rd - 5th grades will be judged on creativity, originality and overall strength of the message the student is conveying. A national winner will be chosen from each grade level. A national winner for best artwork will also be selected.

Judging the 6th - 8th grade will be based on the following criteria: Originality and creativity, strength of philosophical argument, spelling and grammar. A national winner will be chosen from each grade. A national musical winner will also be selected.

A panel of philosophers, educators and parents will conduct the judging. High school judging is based on the following criteria: Strength of philosophical argument, originality and creativity, clarity, basis of the essay in personal experience if applicable, spelling and grammar. The top two finalists from each state will be selected for the semi-final round, and then four finalists will be selected and announced.

Website: http://www.philosophyslam.org/

Managing Organization:

Contact:

info@philosophyslam.org

Eligibility:
Kindergarten to 12th grade students