BREATHE IT IN! Elementary students across the state could have their poetry published online by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (Photo via DNR Facebook)

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging parents and teachers to lead their third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students to take on its Air, Air Everywhere Poetry Contest, learning about the importance of clean air to create inspired poetry.

The Contest is open to all third- through fifth-graders in Wisconsin, and any form of original poetry or riddle up to 200 words will be taken under consideration. Each submission must describe air and/or the importance of clean air, which parents and teachers can guide students through thanks to the DNR’s Air, Air Everywhere Teacher’s Activity Guide.

Simple sensory experiments will allow students to discover characteristics of the air, and they can use the Wisconsin air quality facts and information document to help craft their riddles and poems.

Submissions must be sent in by Friday, May 3, to be eligible for selection by the DNR. If selected, winning students will have their work published on the DNR website and social media. Take a look at last year’s winners here!

Find all requirements and more information about the Air, Air Everywhere Poetry Contest on the DNR website • Submissions can be emailed to DNRAirEducation@wisconsin.gov.