Media Room
5.02.11 - STATE FINALISTS NAMED IN SIEMENS WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD CHALLENGE
-- Nation’s Premier Sustainability Student Challenge Empowers Young People to Create Solutions to Today’s Environmental Problems --
ISELIN, N.J., May 2, 2011-The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and the College Board today named the 24 middle school and 24 high school state finalists in the third annual Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. The national Challenge aims to educate, empower and engage students and teachers to become “Agents of Change” in improving their communities and world.
More than 625 middle and high school teams comprised of 4,069 students competed in the 2011 Challenge. This year’s Challenge includes a first-ever high school division, in which over 1,200 students competed. Projects addressed a wide variety of topics, ranging from decreasing cafeteria waste to creating programs to clean up polluted community lakes and rivers. High school entrants were specifically challenged with identifying an energy-related issue that has local, national and global implications, and then creating a sustainable solution that can be replicated around the globe.
“We’re excited about the growing enthusiasm for environmental action within our schools, local communities and the world,” said Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, president of the Siemens Foundation. “The Siemens Foundation and its partners are proud to honor these students and their mentors for their efforts to initiate real environmental change.”
A panel of environmental advocates and science educators selected finalists based on the project’s ability to creatively engage their communities to resolve a local environmental issue or global energy dilemma. From the 48 state finalist teams, two national winning teams and one grand prize-winning team will be chosen in both the middle school and high school categories and announced on May 18, 2011. A complete list of the state finalists can be found at www.wecanchange.com.
The middle and high school state finalists have already won a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge green prize pack. Each member of the middle school grand prize-winning team will receive a $10,000 Savings Bond, a Discovery Adventures trip to Costa Rica and a pocket video camera to capture their trip. The high school grand prize-winning team will receive an equal share of a $50,000 scholarship and a chance to present their project at the United Nations.
Over 17,500 students have participated in the Challenge since its inaugural year in 2008. Last year’s middle school grand prize winner, Team “No1Idling” from Novi, MI, raised awareness of the negative financial and environmental effects amongst parents idling their engines while waiting to pick up their kids from school. As the Challenge winners, they had the opportunity to take part in the White House Science Fair in October.
For more information on the Challenge and the state finalists, visit www.wecanchange.com.
The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge (www.wecanchange.com) is a premier national sustainability challenge that empowers students in grades K-12to develop and share environmental solutions that can help change the world. The Challenge is a collaborative effort of the Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education, the College Board and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to educate, empower and engage elementary, middle and high school students and teachers to become “Agents of Change” in improving their schools, communities and world. To date, more than 17,500 students have participated, creatively engaging their communities to find solutions to a local environmental issue or global energy challenge. All participants research their issue using scientific investigation and create a replicable green solution using web-based curriculum tools powered by Discovery Education. For more information, visit 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 mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, and The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, which encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues. In February 2010 the Siemens Foundation launched its newest initiative, The Siemens STEM Academy, a national STEM education program for teachers designed to support educators in their efforts to foster student achievement in these fields. 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 further information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
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11.04.10 GRADES 6-8 WINNING TEAM TALKS TO THE UNITED NATIONS ABOUT "NO IDLING"
10.20.10 DISCOVERY CHANNEL CREW AT ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE SCHOOL
http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/rss/documents/2010-10-19CSONews.pdf
10.18.10 - OBAMA TO APPEAR ON MYTHBUSTERS, BOLSTER AMERICA'S GIANT-MIRROR CAPABILITY (TIME.COM)
10.17.10 LOCAL STUDENTS WILL STAR IN DISCOVERY CHANNEL AD (KSBW - CA)
http://www.ksbw.com/video/25423972/detail.html
CALLING ALL STUDENTS!
http://kiwimagonline.com/kiwilog/education/calling-all-students
8.3.10 - CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM 2009-2010 WINNER'S TRIP TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK!
5.26.10 - WATSONVILLE FIFTH-GRADERS' MARINE-DEBRIS PROJECT DRAWS NATIONAL ATTENTION
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20100526/NEWS01/100526013
5.26.10 - DDI TAKES SECOND PLACE IN NATIONWIDE SCIENCE CONTEST
http://www.westbranchtimes.com/article.php?id=5800
5.25.10 - GYPSY MOTH PROJECT EARNS ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEAM STATE TITLE
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_12ef4d68-6859-11df-847e-001cc4c002e0.html
5.25.10 - LOCAL STUDENTS WIN CHANGE THE WORLD CHALLENGE
http://www.ksbw.com/news/23663396/detail.html
5.25.10 - RALEIGH STUDENTS WIN SECOND PLACE AT ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE
http://www.wral.com/news/local/blogpost/7666877/
5.25.10 - LEXINGTON STUDENTS WIN THIRD PLACE IN NATIONAL 'CHANGE THE WORLD' CONTEST
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/lexington/2010/05/lexington_students_win_third_p.html
5.25.10 - ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE WINNERS TACKLE POLLUTION, WASTE
5.24.10 - SIEMENS 'WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD' CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES 2010 WINNERS
5.24.10 - SIEMENS WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES 2010 GRAND PRIZE WINNING TEAMS
-- Team "No1Idling" From Michigan Takes Middle School Top Honor --
-- California's Team "Planet Blue and Green" and Illinois' Team "Zero Waste Lunch Experts" Are Elementary School Winners --
ISELIN, N.J., May 24, 2010-The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) today announced the grand prize winners of this year's Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. The national Challenge encourages elementary and middle school students to develop plans to initiate environmental change in their schools and communities.
"The Siemens Foundation and its partners congratulate the winning elementary and middle school teams of this year's Challenge and commend all the mentors for engaging and empowering students to become agents of change," said Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, President of the Siemens Foundation. "It's inspiring to see that our young generation is already so dedicated to the environment. Their outstanding projects promoting sustainability in their classrooms, schools and communities are powerful examples of how we can all find ways to improve the world around us by observing our surroundings."
Over 13,000 students competed in this year's Challenge across elementary and middle school grades. Elementary classrooms, under the mentorship of their teacher, identified an environmental issue in their classroom or school, while middle school students worked in teams of 2-4 students, also under the guidance of a mentor, to identify an environmental issue in their community. Both levels then researched their issue using scientific investigation and created a replicable green solution using web-based curriculum tools powered by Discovery Education.
Projects ranged from reducing lunchtime waste to saving local trees and encouraging eco-friendly gardens. A panel of environmental advocates and science educators selected winners based on the team's ability to create a positive, measurable solution to a local environmental problem and how well it can be replicated by other communities.
Middle School Winners
Grand Prize Winners: Team "No1Idling" from Novi, MI
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Novi Middle School students Raj Raina and Yash Sathe, along with mentor Abhinav Raina, focused on reducing community pollution by raising awareness about the environmental impact of vehicle idling among area drivers.
Second Place Winners: Team "Drug Disposal Informants" from West Branch, IA
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West Branch Middle School students Kara Fountain, Allison Kusick, Gabby Salemink, and Megan Tadlock, along with mentor Hector Ibarra, focused on reducing the amount of pharmaceuticals polluting local water by encouraging the proper disposal of medications.
Third Place Winners: Team "Lex Green Clean" from Lexington, MA
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Jonas Clarke Middle School students Rani Iyer and Isha Laad along with mentor Vidhya Iyer, encouraged their community to adopt a more eco-friendly alternative to dry cleaning called wet cleaning to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.
Elementary School Winners Grades 3-5
Grand Prize Winners: Team "Planet Blue and Green" from Watsonville, CA
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Mount Madonna School's fifth grade class and their teacher, Jessica Cambell, limited the consumption of non-biodegradable materials as a means to reduce marine debris.
Second Place Winners: Team "Joberts5" from Bloomfield Township, MI
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Birmingham Covington School's fifth grade class and their teacher, Pauline Roberts, focused on reducing the amount of trash generated during school lunch.
Third Place Winners: Team "Green Allowance" from Glendale, CA
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Mark Keppel Elementary School's fifth grade class and their teacher April Faieta, taught other students how to save as much energy and water as possible by using an interactive Web site.
Elementary School Winners Grades K-2
Grand Prize Winners: Team "Zero Waste Lunch Experts" from Addison, IL
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St. Philip the Apostle School's second grade class and their teacher, Amanda Wallace, focused on reducing the amount of waste created each day during school lunches.
Second Place Winners: Team "Hunter EcoHeroes" from Raleigh, NC
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Representatives from Hunter Elementary School's kindergarten, first and second grade classes and their teacher, Smith Raynor, helped reduce waste in the cafeteria and make recycling a habit in their school.
Third Place Winners: Team "LAA2" from Lakeland, FL
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Lincoln Avenue Academy's second grade class and their teacher, Mijana Lockard, decreased the amount of water waste created by students at their school.
The middle school grand prize winners will receive a comprehensive prize package, which includes a $10,000 Savings Bond, an appearance on Planet Green-the 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network, a chance to present their program at the United Nations and a Discovery Adventure trip to Yellowstone National Park. The elementary school grand prize winning classrooms will receive an on-site video shoot of the class that will be turned into a commercial to run on one of Discovery's networks, a $5,000 grant for their school and an opportunity to be featured on a jumbotron in Times Square in New York City. In addition to the above, each team's advisor will receive free registration and hotel accommodations at an upcoming NSTA national or area conference, a one-year membership to NSTA and a 12-month subscription to Discovery Education Science, the digital content library designed to engage today's technology-savvy students in science education. Prizing details for second and third place winners can be found here:
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Middle School: http://wecanchange.com/middle-school/about-challenge/prizes/
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Elementary School: http://wecanchange.com/elementary-school/about-challenge/prizes/
The Challenge expands to high schools in Fall 2010. Currently teams can register and start tackling a global energy-related issue and starting on August 17, 2010, teams can enter their progress and complete their online applications. 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 mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, and The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, which encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues. In February 2010 the Siemens Foundation launched its newest initiative, The Siemens STEM Academy, a national STEM education program for teachers designed to support educators in their efforts to foster student achievement in these fields. 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 further information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.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.
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5.10.10 - SIEMENS WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD FINALISTS SELECTED
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/05/siemens-we-can-change-the-world-finalists-selected.php
5.9.10 - LI TEAM FINALIST IN NATIONAL SCIENCE CONTEST
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-team-finalist-in-national-science-contest-1.1903283
5.7.10 - RECYCLING PROGRAM ADVANCES UTAH STUDENTS FOR PRIZE
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_15038561
5.6.10 - 25 TEAMS OF U.S. MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS NAMED STATE FINALISTS IN SIEMENS WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD CHALLENGE
--National Challenge Honors Teams for Advocating and Impacting Environmental Change in their Communities--
ISELIN, NJ - The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) today named the 25 middle school state finalists of the second annual Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. The national Challenge encourages students to team up and develop plans to initiate environmental change in their local communities. From these 25 state finalist teams, two national winning teams and one grand prize-winning team will be chosen and announced on May 24, 2010. A complete list of the state finalists can be found at www.wecanchange.com.
Over 6,500 middle school students competed in this year's Challenge, and the projects ranged from reducing algae blooms to saving local trees to encouraging eco-friendly gardens. A panel of environmental advocates and science educators selected finalists based on the project's ability to creatively engage their communities to resolve a local environmental issue.
The state finalists have already won a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge green prize pack and the grand prize-winning team will receive a $10,000 Savings Bond, an appearance on Planet Green - the 24 hour eco-lifestyle television network, a chance to present their program at the United Nations and a Discovery Adventure trip to Yellowstone National Park.
Over 15,000 students have participated in the Challenge since it began in 2008. Last year's grand prize winner, Team "Dead Weight" from West Branch, Iowa, exposed the dangers of lead wheel weights in vehicles and helped phase out this hazardous material in the tire industry. As the Challenge winners, they had the opportunity to present their project at the United Nations International Youth Day and meet with leaders at the Environmental Protection Agency and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
To enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, teams of two to four students in sixth through eighth grade, under the guidance of a teacher or mentor, 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.
For more information on the Challenge and the state finalists, visit 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 mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, and The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, which encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues. In February 2010 the Siemens Foundation launched its newest initiative, The Siemens STEM Academy, a national STEM education program for teachers designed to support educators in their efforts to foster student achievement in these fields. 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 further information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.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.
Contacts:
- Lauren Espin, for Siemens Foundation, 732-590-2182, lauren.espin@siemens.com
- Juliet Farrell, for Discovery Communications, 240-662-1707, juliet_farrell@discovery.com
- Jodi Peterson, for NSTA, 703-312-9214, jpeterson@nsta.org
9.25.09 - CHALLENGING KIDS TO SAVE THE PLANET
http://www.businessweek.com/careers/workingparents/blog/archives/2009/09/challenging_kid.html
9.20.09 - EIGHTH-GRADERS LEAD THE WAY ON ECO-FRIENDLY TIRE WEIGHTS
http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/IA-LeadTire-092009
9.20.09 - THREE ADDISON 8TH-GRADERS CHANGE THEIR TOWN'S ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDE
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=322719&src=2
9.20.09 - KIDS' PROJECT TURNS 'GREEN'
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7023482
9.18.09 - IOWA MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM NAMED THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER IN NATIONAL COMMUNITY FOCUSED SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE
9.16.09 - DEADWEIGHT FOCUSES ON IOWA LEGISLATURE
http://www.westbranchtimes.com/article.php?viewID=4842
9.2.09 - EPA FLIPS OVER DEAD WEIGHT
http://www.westbranchtimes.com/article.php?viewID=4790
8.15.09 - SIEMENS WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD CHALLENGE KICKS OFF AT UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY
8.14.09 - THREE STUDENTS WIN PRIZE FOR PROJECT TO REPLACE LEAD WHEEL WEIGHTS (UNITED NATIONS RADIO)
http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/detail/79944.html
SIEMENS FOUNDATION PROMOTES SCIENCE EDUCATION
http://podcast.wbz.com/wbz/1830443.mp3
6.1.09 - SACAJAWEA STUDENTS HATCH PRIZEWINNING GREEN IDEA
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10458361&nav=menu227_3
5.5.09 - A CONTEST TO CHEER: LOCAL STUDENTS TEAM UP TO SAVE STREAMS
22 TEAMS OF U.S. MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS NAMED STATE FINALISTS IN NATIONAL GREEN COMMUNITY-BASED COMPETITION
--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) – 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.
NATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL GREEN COMPETITION URGES KIDS TO CHANGE THEIR COMMUNITIES IN 2009
-- March 15 Deadline for Entries Quickly Approaching--
-- January Webinars to Help Adult Advisers Engage Students in Sustainability --
-- 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) - Now in the final months for entries, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is encouraging middle school students across the United States to kick off 2009 by "going green" and implementing environmental change in their local communities. The website for this entirely web-based challenge, http://www.wecanchange.com, is host to lots of kid-friendly activities such as virtual interactive labs, an eco-footprint game, an environmental IQ quiz, online journals, video clips-plus many more resources for both students and adult advisers.
Teams of two to three students in sixth through eighth grade, under the mentorship of a teacher or adult supervisor, will 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.
Teachers and adult supervisors are invited to participate in any of Discovery Education's January online webinars, which will provide additional information about the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. Webinars will be offered Tuesday, January 13, at 4:30 PM (ET); Wednesday, January 14, at 5:30 and 6:45 PM (ET); and Thursday, January 15, at 5:30 PM (ET). To register, go to https://discoveryed.webex.com and click on "Events Center" at the top, then click on "List of Events" at the left and scroll down to "Other Events." Lastly, click on a "Register" link for your preferred webinar.
Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge submissions from middle school students will be accepted through March 15, 2009. A total of 51 teams representing each state and the District of Columbia will be selected as state finalists and an additional 50 teams will be eligible for honorable mention awards. Three of the state finalist teams will be selected as national finalists, and one of those will be named the inaugural grand prize-winner. State finalist and national finalist teams will be announced in Spring 2009.
All student teams entering the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will receive prizes for their participation. Top-performing teams, as judged by a panel of environmental experts and science educators, will earn cash, teacher education materials 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 the National Science Teachers Association (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.
NATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE LAUNCHES TODAY
--Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge Empowers Students to Create
“Green Solutions” --
--Middle School Launch Marks the First Phase of Nationwide K-12 Sustainability Initiative--
-- Prizes include Regional and National Recognition, Cash and an Appearance on Discovery’s Planet Green Television Network--
(NEW YORK) September 15, 2008 – Starting today, middle school students across the United States are being encouraged to “go green” and team up for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, the first and only national K-12 sustainability education initiative aligned to education standards and uniquely tailored to match students’ growing comprehension abilities throughout their school-aged years.
The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have partnered on this unprecedented initiative to educate, empower and engage students, teachers and communities to become “Agents of Change” in improving their community. Student teams from sixth through eighth grade, under the mentorship of a teacher or adult supervisor, can register for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge at www.wecanchange.com.
Teams of two to three students will 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. The mentors of the first 100 teams to register and ultimately complete a project for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will receive an award-winning Planet Earth series DVD set. Submissions from middle school students will be accepted through March 15, 2009. The initiative expands to elementary schools in 2009 and to high schools in 2010.
“The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will inspire students across the nation to clearly see the impact science can make in their very own schools and communities,” said James Whaley, President, Siemens Foundation. “It will support the next generation of scientists and engineers and encourage students to use their natural curiosity to produce results that have a real impact in the world. We are proud to partner with Discovery Communications and NSTA on this unprecedented initiative.”
A total of 51 teams representing each state and the District of Columbia will be selected as state finalists and an additional 50 teams will be eligible for honorable mention awards. Three of the state finalist teams will be selected as national finalists, and one of those will be named the grand prize-winner. State finalist and national finalist teams will be announced in Spring 2009.
All student teams entering the Middle School Challenge will receive prizes for their participation; top-performing teams, as judged by a panel of environmental experts and science educators, will earn cash, teacher education materials 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.
Hosted on a solar-powered server, the web-based Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will serve as an essential resource for both students and team advisors. Teams can take part in virtual interactive labs, share ideas through an online journal, watch Discovery Education video clips, take an environmental IQ quiz, and much more! Rich environmental lesson plans are also available for teachers to use in their classrooms. More information, including entry details, registration and Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at www.wecanchange.com.
Discovery Education, a division of Discovery Communications, which provides scientifically proven, standards-based digital media resources and professional development to classrooms nationwide, and the NSTA, the largest science teacher organization in the world dedicated to improving science education and increasing student learning by engaging all teachers of science, will provide standards-based lesson plans and multimedia teacher resources to accompany each stage of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge to foster learning, team work and problem solving around sustainability.
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 is the world’s number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 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. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
About the National Science Teachers Association
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA works to improve science education and increase student learning by providing resources and training that support and enhance quality teaching. The Association advocates for the importance of science and science learning and works to enhance science education through research-based policy and practice. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 57,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education. For more information, please visit www.nsta.org.
