Contest Overview
Unleash your ideas! Imagine, create and invent a new product and make your mark on the world.
Entries about your BIG IDEA can be in the form of original artwork or an original essay.
The Essay/Art Contest is open to 3rd – 8th grade students who attend the Arlington ISD.
Problem-Solving Model & How to Use It
Problem-solving takes time, and that’s okay! The first step is to write it down. Then, read it carefully.
Is there any additional information you can add? Write down WHY it’s a problem and WHY it needs a solution. Is there a service that could be provided or an invention that could be created that would solve this problem?
Once you have a plan, follow it step by step and find your solution. Afterward, check your answer. Does it make sense? Could you explain it to someone else and convince them it’s purchase it?
How would you best explain this new product or service? You can write an original essay or draw a poster.
Learn More About Our New Challenge Sponsor
E-Space is a space technology company right here in Arlington, Texas! We design, build, test, and operate satellites that travel around Earth. We’re also building a new factory where we plan to make hundreds of satellites every month!
Our team brings big ideas to life by using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to solve challenging problems. From designing spacecraft and building robots to developing advanced electronics and computer systems, our engineers are helping shape the future of space technology.
At E-Space, we believe that every great invention starts with a big idea. We encourage you to dream big, be creative, and never stop asking questions. Who knows? Your big idea today could help change the world tomorrow!
Extended E-SPCAE Challenge Prompt
Connection matters most when it’s hardest to get – during a big storm, far past the edge of town, or when a whole neighborhood’s phones and internet suddenly go dark. But “staying connected” isn’t only about getting online. Sometimes it’s calling for help, letting people know where you are, sending a warning before a flood reaches the next street, or just telling someone “I’m safe.”
Start by picking your tough moment. Who’s stuck, where are they, and what do they need to get through – a call for help, a location, a warning, a simple “I’m okay”? Once you know that, invent a product or business idea that gets it through when normal internet and phone service can’t.
You can use any technology you want. Just remember what “the internet” really is – cell towers, cables, and the router in your house all working together. Take any one of those away and a normal phone is useless. Your invention has to keep going anyway, so think about how it reaches someone with none of that to lean on.
Your idea could be a gadget, a service, an app that works in a totally new way, or something no one’s built yet.
*Condensed challenge prompt provided in the individual student guides, linked below.
Grade Specific Student Guides
What to Include in Your Entry
Essay Entries
- What do you sell? Is it a product or a service?
- Who are your customers? Adults or kids? Someone with a specific need? Is it for families or for one person?
- Why is your idea special? How is your product different from others that already exist?
- How do you plan to tell people about your product or
service? How will you connect with your customers? - How will you manage your business? An online store,
a shop that people can visit in person, or both?
Art Entries:
- Headline: A brief phrase that gets the readers’ attention
- Copy: The words in the ad that explain your big idea
- Graphic: A photograph or drawing explaining your idea
- Logo: Design a distinctive symbol for a business such as Nike’s swoosh or McDonald’s golden arches.
How to Submit Online Entries
Step 1: Student & Parent/Guardian must complete the electronic form and upload the parent signed student entry form and their essay or art entry. If your student(s) is entering in both categories, they must submit separate entries.
(Verbal consent given to a teacher is not a valid release. This is to ensure proper release of student information is given to the Greater Arlington Chamber)
Step 2: Upload/Attachment File Name: Must be labeled with the STUDENT LAST NAME, FIRST NAME-GRADE-CATEGORY (ex: Smith,John-3rdGrade-Art)
Contest Rules
All entries should be submitted no later than Wednesday, November 4, 2026, either by delivering them directly to or through interoffice mail to
the AISD Admin. Building ATTN: CTE (690 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76011) or electronically.
Each entry must reflect the theme for the appropriate grade level. Students may enter in one or both categories, but must provide a separate entry form for each entry.
All essay entries must be less than 400 words, typed (preferred) or handwritten neatly on 8.5 x 11 paper.
All art entries must be original drawings and/or computer graphics. Art may not be 3D and must be on 8.5 x 11 paper-no legal sized paper or poster boards allowed. Larger Entries will be disqualified.
Each entry must have the entry form stapled as page one of the student’s submission including the student name, school, grade, student ID#, category (essay or art), teacher who is providing contest direction and parent/guardian’s name, signature and phone number. No identifying information should be included in the body of the essay or be visible on the artwork as these items may be used during the ceremony presentation.
Essays will be judged by the Greater Arlington Chamber and the Chamber’s Talent & Workforce Strategy Committee on the basis of grade-appropriate focus and coherence, organization, development of ideas, voice and conventions (grammar, spelling and punctuation).
Art will be judged on basic principles of art and advertisement effectiveness.
For more information, contact us at education@arlingtontx.com.
Entries Due: Nov. 4
TWO WAYS TO ENTER
- Submit online at
arlingtontx.com/bigidea. (be sure to read instructions)
- Submit your typed
or neatly handwritten
essay or poster on a
separate sheet to your teacher.
Recognition & Awards
STUDENT FINALISTS
Will be invited to attend the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, January 20, 2027 at UT Arlington’s College Park and recognized on-stage with a commemorative medal. ANNOUNCED THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 14, 2026
TOP PARTICIPATING CAMPUSES
Principals will be recognized on-stage by Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith
TOP WINNER STUDENTS & TEACHERS
1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each grade and category receive a trophy, tshirt and great prize package with donations from Arlington businesses. ANNOUNCED AT THE CEREMONY
NEW E-SPACE TOP WINNERS
One student from each elementary and junior high levels will be recognized with a special E-SPACE prize package.
FIRST PLACE STUDENT WINNERS
Will receive a scholarship to attend a one-week summer camp “The Big Idea Lab” where they learn
what it means to be an entrepreneur. Tentative Camp Dates: May 31- June 4
All Top Winners, are invited to join in the fun with a discounted rate to attend camp.
Brainstorming Tools
- Problem-Solving Matrix
- Problem-Solving Matrix – SPAN
- Entrepreneurs Can Change the World (Video)
- What is Innovation? (Video)
Vocabulary
- Prototype: A first, typical or preliminary model of something. Ex. A product prototype is presented to potential investors to illustrate why they should fund the business venture.
- Value Proposition: An innovation, service or feature intended to make a company or product attractive to customers. Ex. The value proposition of Disney+ is unique content only available to Disney+ users.
- Elevator Pitch: A brief speech that outlines an idea for a product, service or project. Ex. She gave an elevator pitch to explain the value proposition of her startup company.
NEW! Parent Guide
Use this step-by-step Parent Guide to help your child dream big, think like an entrepreneur, and have fun!
This not only gives you the opportunity to reinforce what’s being taught in the classroom by sparking fun conversations at home but also allows you to be part of sparking the entrepreneurial spirit!
Talk with your kids about what they love, the challenges they notice in everyday life, and their ideas for making the world better and watch their creativity grow!
2024 Ceremony
Play Video