• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

22 Teams of U.S. Middle School Students Named State Finalists in National Green Community-Based Competition

Posted on: Monday, 4 May 2009, 08:30 CDT

- Teams Designed and Implemented Environmental Sustainability Solutions for their Communities in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge -

- National Prizes Include Once-in-a-Lifetime Discovery Adventure Trips with a TV personality, an Appearance on Discovery's Planet Green TV Network and Savings Bonds -

NEW YORK, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- 22 teams of U.S. middle school students have been named state finalists in the inaugural Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. The web-based national competition encouraged middle school students to team up and "go green" by creating and implementing environmental change in their local communities. From the 22 state finalist teams, two national winning teams and one grand prize-winning team will be chosen and announced on May 18, 2009 at www.wecanchange.com, where a complete list of the state finalists can also be found.

"Congratulations to all of the state finalist teams. It's truly inspiring to see students all over the country taking such an active role in promoting sustainability, starting right at home," said James Whaley, President, Siemens Foundation. "We are tremendously proud of all the teams who participated. Their innovative ideas and projects bring new awareness and ways for us all to be more eco-friendly in our daily lives."

Over 2,000 students participated in the inaugural year of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge and state finalist projects covered topics such as e-waste recycling, ecosystem restoration and water conservation.

To enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, teams of two to three students in sixth through eighth grade, under the mentorship of a teacher or adult supervisor, were asked to identify an environmental issue in their community, research the issue using scientific investigation, and create a replicable green solution using web-based curriculum tools powered by Discovery Education. A panel of environmental experts and science educators then reviewed and selected the top projects.

As a state finalist team, each student member will receive an eco-friendly prize pack, which includes a recycled messenger bag, a solar charger, a recycled USB drive, a recycled journal, a reusable water bottle and other sustainable supplies. In addition to the prize pack, the team's adult advisor will receive a free one-year membership to the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and a one-year subscription to Discovery Education Science, the digital resource library designed to deepen understanding of science.

The two national winning teams will earn savings bonds, teacher education resources and unique "Discovery Experience" trips. The grand prize-winning team will receive a comprehensive prize package, which includes an appearance on Planet Green, Discovery's 24-hour eco-lifestyle network and a once-in-a-lifetime Discovery Adventure Trip, accompanied by a Discovery TV personality.

The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education and NSTA have partnered on the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge to educate, empower and engage students, teachers and communities to become "Agents of Change" in improving their communities nationwide. The initiative expands to elementary schools in 2009 and to high schools in 2010.

For more information on the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, go to www.wecanchange.com.

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math in the United States. Its signature programs, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, reward exceptional achievement in science, math and technology. The newest program, The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow's scientists and engineers. The Foundation's mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens' U.S. companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About the National Science Teachers Association

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education. For more information, please visit www.nsta.org.

SOURCE Discovery Communications

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category