FAQ
What is the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is a K-12 sustainability challenge where students form teams of two, three, or four students work with a teacher/mentor to identify an environmental issue in their community, research it, develop a plan, collect data, analyze that data, and share the results they've found so far.
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.
Who is eligible to participate in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
Teams may be made up of two, three, or four students, each of whom is a legal U.S. resident enrolled in 6th through 8th grade at a public, private, parochial or home school located in the United States at the time of entry, under the supervision of a teacher, mentor or other adult. Team members must have the consent of their parent or legal guardian to participate.
What types of ideas will win the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge?
Ideas that will win will have teams that demonstrate that they:
- 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
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
- utilize 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 6 steps (Choose it, Research it, Plan it, Do it, Analyze it, and Share it)
For the compete application requirements visit the Register section of the site.
How will the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge be judged?
The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will be judged on the following:
- The Local Environmental Issue or Problem
- Community Engagement
- The Scientific Approach
- A recommendation explaining how to replicate and/or expand the project for other groups
For more detail on judging requirements, visit the What Judges Look For section of this site.
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 20, 2009 through March 15, 2010.
When will the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge applications be judged?
There are several phases of judging that will take place between March 22, 2010 and April 12, 2010.
What if our project is ongoing? Do the teams need to have completed a project in order to qualify, or can they submit a project in progress?
Problems or issues that students choose should be local and of manageable size for middle 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.
Can teams of more than 4 students participate?
No, teams must consist of two, three or four students with one teacher or mentor.
Can a student participate on more than one team?
No, students may only participate on one team.
When will the winners be announced?
Up to 51 State Finalists will be announced on or about April 26, and the National Finalists will be announced on or about May 10.
What are the prizes and how many will be awarded?
Please see the Prize page for full details.
Do all participants of the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge receive anything or just winning teams?
Every team that participates receives an on-line certificate and a screen saver.
How do I access my profile or application?
Simply login to access your profile and application.
I can't remember my password. How can I access my application?
If you have forgotten your password, click the forgot username or password link to reset the password. An email will be sent to the registered address with a link to complete the password reset.
When will the Challenge launch for grades K-5?
The Challenge is now open for grades K-5.
When will the Challenge launch for grades 9-12?
The Challenge for grades 9-12 will launch in the fall of 2010.
Is the Challenge open to students outside of the United States?
No, the Challenge is for students within the U.S. only.
