Siemens We Can Change The World Challenge

Challenge Description

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge consists of six easy steps:

  • Step 1: Choose It! Student teams of 2-3 conduct research to learn about the issues that affect their community and select one issue that they truly want to impact.
  • Step 2: Research It! Students access a variety of resources to learn all they can about their issue and develop a problem statement that explains why and how it is a problem in their community.
  • Step 3: Plan It! Students propose a feasible, measurable solution to positively impact their issue and an action plan to help them carry it out.
  • Step 4: Do It! Students work together to implement their action plan.
  • Step 5: Analyze It! Students explain what they’ve found out so far.
  • Step 6: Share It! Students make recommendations for how their plan can be replicated or expanded in similar communities across the nation.

download pdf Download: The required steps in the application process.

Applications are being accepted for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge from September 16, 2008 through March 15, 2009

Click here to view Sample Projects

What Makes This Challenge Unique

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge offers a unique way for middle school student teams to create sustainable local solutions that can have global impact. It’s the first and only national sustainability education initiative aligned to national standards and classroom objectives. Other unique features include:

  • Just as real scientists work collaboratively, the challenge is designed for a team approach and encourages students to build on the ideas and successes of other scientists.
  • The contest is not limited to “typical” environmental problems. Any urban, rural or suburban environmental issue can be selected. In doing so, students are encouraged to explore a wide range of environmental issues, perspectives and positions in their research.
  • Teams are encouraged to select and study an issue that they truly care about, not one that is assigned. In doing so, they will practice civic skills and learn to become leaders in understanding and addressing relevant environmental issues.
  • Teams are challenged to use measurable data including evidence that their issue is a problem in the community and proof that their solution worked.
  • Teams will learn from real scientists and authentic experiments and then apply that knowledge to their own solutions. Collaborations within the community are encouraged.
  • Students will share what they learn with others in an online repository, thereby continuing the important scientific process of new ideas building on old ones.