OurEcho Challenge
THE OURECHO CHALLENGE
The OurEcho Challenge is a STEM innovation competition that empowers U.S. middle school students to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities. Students will first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect, or repair those natural resources.
10 finalist teams will join EarthEcho International in Washington, DC, where they will present their ideas to restore or protect local biodiversity. The top three teams will be awarded grants to turn their projects into reality.
THE PRIZES
10 finalist teams will win a trip to Washington, DC, where they will present their final projects to a panel of judges.
The top three teams will receive grants to put their ideas into action.
- Grand Prize: $10,000
- 2nd Prize: $5,000
- 3rd Prize: $2,000
WHY BIODIVERSITY?
Like an echo, the impact of every living species resonates among all other life to create the balance on which we all rely. This interconnectivity of life is called biodiversity. From the majestic blue whale to the hardworking honeybee, the complex web of life we call biodiversity touches every inch of our planet, including our own backyards. And now, more than ever, this life sustaining variety needs our help.
Recognizing that half of the world’s biodiversity has been destroyed since 1970, the OurEcho Challenge empowers and engages young problem solvers in understanding, respecting and protecting the important diversity of species essential to life. Teams of middle school students, guided by an educator or mentor, are challenged to address the decline in biodiversity by identifying threats to natural resources in their communities and developing an innovative solution.
