MNN - Mother Nature Network

Registration is now open for the sixth annual Lexus Eco Challenge. Over the years, the program has encouraged more than 22,000 students in middle school and high school to not only think about today’s environmental challenges but also brainstorm ways to improve the world we live in.

 

”For the past five years all of my 8th grade students have worked in teams to create and implement innovative campaigns to encourage others to make one small change that can have a large positive impact on our environment. During the challenge students sharpen their oral and written communication skills, utilize many forms of technology, and work together actively and enthusiastically to solve real-life problems,” said Ashlie Beals, the teacher advisor for last year’s grand prize-winning team the “One Towel Wonders.” Source: Lexus

 

In order to participate in the challenge, middle school and high school students need to form teams of 5 – 10 students and work with a teacher advisor. Each team will choose an environmental issue, develop an action plan to address this issue, implement the plan and ultimately report the results of the plan implementation.

 

The deadline for challenge one, which focuses on land and water issues, is October 29, 2012. Contestants participating in the second challenge will address air and climate concerns. The second challenge deadline is December 17, 2012.

 

Each challenge will have 16 winning teams; eight teams from middle schools and eight teams from high schools, with each team receiving $10,000 in scholarships and grants. Teams will then proceed to the Final Challenge for a chance of winning the $30,000 grand prize.

 

For more information about the contest, visit the Lexus Eco Challenge website.