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2021 Writing Contest

All PreK-12 students were invited to submit an original piece of writing that answered our question of what it means to use technology and the positive and/or negative implications that may have in our community. This writing contest was inspired by our our Indie Lens Pop-Up film, Coded Bias. 

Writing Prompts:

For Grades Pre-K-2

  • What technology do you use at home? How does it help your family?

For Grades 3-5

  • Is there new technology that you use now that you didn’t use a year ago?

For Grades 6-12

  • Is there new technology that you use now that you didn’t use a year ago?
  • Is there such a thing as too much technology? Are there parts of our daily life that shouldn’t be controlled by technology?

Congratulations to Our Winners!

  • PreK-2: Edie S.
  • Grades 3-5: Thomas J. & Zipei L.

 

And congratulations to all of our contest entrants! The submissions this year were all amazing and the team of judges had a hard time selecting our final winners. There are bright young authors here in Montana!

About Indie Lens Pop-Up

Indie Lens Pop-Up is a neighborhood series that brings people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on the PBS series Independent Lens, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations together to discuss what matters most, from newsworthy topics to family and relationships. Make friends, share stories, and join the conversation. Can't attend in person? Find Independent Lens on Facebook for information on our online Pop-Up events.

Printable Entry Form

Would you like to mail your written submission to us? Please print the PDF entry form and mail it back to us with your finished written creation!

Print Form

Contest FAQs

Do I need to bind my story? How many words do I need to write? Find the answers to common questions in our FAQ document.

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Terms & Conditions

Please review the official terms & conditions of the 2021 writing contest.

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Teacher Tips

Are you a teacher interested in submitting entries on behalf of your class? Read these Teacher Tips that will help you with a group submission.

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Coded Bias | Learn More About the Film

When MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini discovers that many facial recognition technologies fail more often on darker-skinned faces or the faces of women than others, she delves into an investigation of widespread bias in artificial intelligence (AI). As it turns out, algorithms, data, and computers are not neutral. From facial scanning used for policing and surveillance to automated HR systems that mirror and magnify workplace prejudices, these technologies are created with fundamentally biased building blocks. Emboldened by these troubling discoveries, Buolamwini goes on to start the Algorithmic Justice League and joins a group of pioneering women to shed a light on the underlying biases in the technology that shapes our lives and threatens our democracy.