The essay will involve the play:

Leap

The script is available in a book form in a collection of Ms Gunderson's plays called "Deepen The Mystery: Science and The South Onstage," available at www.amazon.com

The relationship between Issac Newton and the two mysterious sisters gives us (the audience) clues at to what he fears and what he loves. For example, Newton explains to one of the sisters that his work isn't just a hobby:

"Men have died chasing what I'm after! Sacrificed life and loyalty. It is not funny. This consciousness is as serious as you can possibly come close to knowing. You should treat it as such."

What does Newton fear? What does he love? How does his relationship with the mysterious sisters affect his life? Discuss how science, feminism, and history all come together in this play.

• There is no entry fee.
• Attendance at YSU MathFest is not mandatory to submit an entry.
• Multiple entries may be mailed together.
• Be sure your essay is postmarked (or hand delivered) by November 9, 2006. and addressed as follows:

  YSU MathFest Essay Contest
  Department of Mathematics and Statistics
  Youngstown State University
  One University Plaza
  Youngstown, OH 44555

• Submit only one paper.
• Type or print your paper, double-spaced on unlined white paper, or hand-write your paper in ink on only one side of lined 8.5 x 11" white paper.
• Leave 1" margins on all sides, and number the pages.
• Limit your paper to 700-900 words. Papers that are significantly shorter or longer are disqualified.
• Use a title page with the following information:
  • the title of your paper
  • your name (no nicknames or shortened names)
  • your full address
  • your age and grade
  • your teacher's first and last name
  • the name of your school (no abbreviations)

  Evaluation

  Your essay will be evaluated using the following criteria:
  • your establishment of a clear purpose for writing the essay
  • evidence that you understand the book and story
  • the effectiveness of your organization
  • the clarity, conciseness, and freshness of your language

  Prizes

  PRIZES! will be awarded to the first, second, and third place entries at at MathFest!

  Permissions

  Entries cannot be returned. All entries become property of YSU. The University reserves the right to publish any of the entries submitted, with credit given to the authors.
  
  2004 Essay Contest
  
  2003 Essay Contest
  
  
  
  
  
  MathFest
  mathfest@math.ysu.edu
   

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