FAQs
What is the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is a K-12 sustainability challenge. In the K-5 Challenge, students work together as a class under the direction of a teacher/mentor to identify an environmental issue in their classroom or school, develop a plan, collect data, analyze that data, and share the results they have found.
How do I participate in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
Visit the Getting Started section of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge to find all the information you need to launch a successful project. A teacher/mentor must first register on wecanchange.com and then add their classroom team(s) in order to access the application.
Who is eligible to participate in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
U.S. citizens and legal U.S. residents of one of the 50 United States or DC who is enrolled in K through 5th grade at a public, private, parochial or home school located in one of the 50 United States or DC at the time of entry, under the supervision of a teacher, mentor or other adult. See the Official Rules for more information.
What types of ideas will win the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
Types of winning projects will all demonstrate that the classes have:
- researched background information to help define the problem or issue
- used the background information to develop the solution plan
- collected data as the plan is carried out
- used the data, both qualitative and quantitative, in analyzing the results
- drawn a conclusion about the effectiveness of the solution based on data
See the winning projects from 2010-2011.
What are the goals of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
The goals of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge are to:
- engage students in identifying and solving local environmental problems
- utilize their creativity
- encourage community involvement
- recommend how others could use this solution in their communities
What specifically must be included on the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge application?
The application must be filled out completely, and must include information on all of the 5 steps (Learn, Plan, Act, Share & Extend, and Reflect). The sixth step for attachments is optional but may be used to provide supporting images, graphs, etc. to your entry in a PDF file or to provide a YouTube video link. You will also be asked to include relevant citations each step. You can view the application in the About the Challenge section.
How will the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge be judged?
For more detail on judging requirements, visit the Judging Criteria section of this site. Please note that K-2 and 3-5 entries will be judged separately by an independent, qualified judging panel and there will be a first, second, and third prize winner from each.
Are home-school teachers eligible to apply for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
Yes, home-school teachers and home-school students are both eligible to apply.
When are applications for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge being accepted?
August 24, 2011 through March 15, 2012.
When will the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge applications be judged?
There are two rounds of judging. The first round of judging will take place on or about March 15, 2012. The second round of judging will take place on or around May 1, 2012.
What if our project is ongoing? Does our class have to have completed a project in order to qualify, or can we submit a project in progress?
Problems or issues that students choose should be local and of manageable size for elementary school students to take on. It is not essential that the solution be carried out to full completion, but the process should be started and some results collected. If you are continuing work on a project that was started before August 24, 2011, you must cite any prior work appropriately within your application.
Can a student participate on more than one class?
No, students may only participate on one class.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners and finalists will be announced on or about May 15, 2012.
What are the prizes and how many will be awarded?
Please see the Prizes section for full details.
Do all participants of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge receive something or just the winning teams?
Every team that participates receives an online certificate and a screen saver.
How do I access my profile or application?
Simply sign in to access your profile and application. The Teacher/Mentor must first register and create a class team before working on the application.
I can't remember my password. How can I access my application?
Teachers/Mentors can reset their registration password. Click on the password reset button. You will then be prompted asked to input your username. A system generated password will then be emailed to you. You can use this password going forward, or reset the password in the "My Profile" area.
Is the Challenge open to students outside of the United States?
No, the Challenge is for students within one of the 50 United States or DC who is enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade at a public, private, parochial or home school located in one of the 50 United States or DC at the time of entry.
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