There are two sets of identical prizes – one set for the middle school students and another for the high school students.
Middle schools:
The crystals will be judged in three categories:
1. Best Overall Crystal – 1st prize ($200), 2nd prize ($125), 3rd prize ($75)
2. Best Quality Crystal – 1st prize ($200)
3. Best Teacher’s Crystal – 1st prize ($200)
A separate category with its own prizes is Crystal-inspired art (details on the “Crystal art judging” tab) – 1st prize ($150), 2nd prize ($120) and 3rd prize ($80).
High schools:
The crystals will be judged in three categories:
1. Best Overall Crystal – 1st prize ($200), 2nd prize ($125), 3rd prize ($75)
2. Best Quality Crystal – 1st prize ($200)
3. Best Teacher’s Crystal – 1st prize ($200)
A separate category with its own prizes is Crystal-inspired art (details on the “Crystal art judging” tab) – 1st prize ($150), 2nd prize ($120) and 3rd prize ($80).
The following applies to all participants:
Students will win cash awards and will receive books and individual certificates as personal prizes.
All participants will be invited to a reception at University of Wisconsin-Madison and to receive prizes on May 22, 2026.
The crystal growing period is from March 1 to April 30, 2026. The judging will take place on May 8, 2026 by a panel of judges.