Dark Matter Journey Competition 2025
Can you tell the story of an invisible traveller?
Dark matter is one of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Scientists believe it has been around since the very beginning, shaping galaxies, including our own Milky Way. But how did a dark matter particle born billions of years ago end up deep underground in a mine like Boulby, waiting to be discovered?
We challenge you to tell the story of a dark matter particle’s journey, from the birth of the universe to its detection deep underground.
Entry requirement
You must be aged 11 to 16 and attend one of the following schools:
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Freeborough Academy, Brotton
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Huntcliff School, Saltburn
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Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough
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Nunthorpe Academy, Nunthorpe
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Outwood Bydales, Marske
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Outwood Redcar, Redcar (West)
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Outwood Normanby, Normanby (TS6)
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Ryehills Academy, Redcar (East)
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Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, Redcar (West)
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St Peter’s Catholic Academy, South Bank (TS6)
Competition Format
You can bring this journey to life in any creative way you choose:
- Comic strip 💬 – Illustrate the dark matter particle’s adventure!
- Poster or infographic 🖼️ – Show its journey through space and time in a visually engaging way.
- Short video (max 3 minutes) 🎥 – Use animation, storytelling, or even stop-motion to explain its path.
- Story or diary entry 📝 – Write from the particle’s perspective as it drifts through the cosmos.
Other creative formats – Surprise us with something original!
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be judged on:
✅ Creativity – How engaging and original is your approach?
✅ Scientific Storytelling – Does it explain the journey in a way that makes sense?
✅ Clarity & Communication – Is it easy to understand for someone new to dark matter?
✅ Effort & Presentation – How well is the final piece put together?
How to Enter
Send your dark matter story to lzuk.outreach@gmail.com by the 27th of June 2025. Send it over using whatever format works best for your creation (pictures, video, word doc, etc..). Make sure to include your name, school and year group in the email.
🗓️ Timeline & info
Deadline for entries: Friday 27th of June 2025
Winner announced: Friday 11th of July 2025
📬 Contact Us
Got a question about the competition? We’re happy to help!
Email us at: lz.outreach@gmail.com
🏆 The Grand Prize 🏆
The winning team will win entry passes for their entire class to New Scientist Live, a mind-blowing festival of science and tech.
Come explore the universe, meet real scientists, and check out our very own dark matter stand, plus loads more awesome exhibits. It’s a day your class will never forget!
And here’s the best part
🎉 Your winning contribution will be featured at our Dark Matter stand! 🎉
The School Day is on 20 October 2025
📍 ExCeL London
Royal Victoria Dock
1 Western Gateway
London
E16 1XL
Days to New Scientist Live
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Explore, Learn, Create! 🔍
Need some inspiration? Want to dive deeper into dark matter or science communication?
We’ve gathered some awesome resources to help you fuel your creativity and make your entry stand out.