Broward Virtual School named Middle School National Finalist in 2014 Siemens ‘We Can Change the World Challenge’

Broward Virtual School named Middle School National Finalist in 2014 Siemens ‘We Can Change the World Challenge’

Broward Virtual School, Middle School Team Forces of Nature (l to r): Sylvana Galvis, seventh grade, Christopher Gates, teacher/mentor and Anais Lozada, eighth grade.

Congratulations to Broward Virtual School (BVS) on recently being named Middle School National Finalist of the 2014 Siemens,” We Can Change the World Challenge.” The BVS middle school team, Forces of Nature, led by eighth-grader Anais Lozada and seventh-grader Sylvana Galvis, with Team Teacher/Mentor Christopher Gates, is one of the 50 highest scoring teams in the nation in the competition.

As environmental advocates and stewards, the team’s project researches the causes, as well as initiates solutions, to energy and environmental issues through local outreach and education efforts.

Their independent gardening project will provide vegetable and fruit plants to families who otherwise would not be able to afford them. The project will also provide families with additional resources for planting and nurturing a healthy garden and produce.

The Siemens Challenge panel of judges included Discovery Education’s partner organizations, educators and science professionals. Judging was based on local environmental issues or problems, community engagement, scientific approach, creativity and ability to replicate.

As a national finalist team, each student will receive a Siemens ‘We Can Change the World Challenge’ green prize pack and a finalist certificate. BVS will receive a ‘We Can Change the World’ finalist banner to display.

The Siemens “We Can Change the World Challenge,” provided by the Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education, gives students the opportunity, tools and inspiration to improve their schools, their community and their world through project-based learning.

Middle school student teams’ from across the country were challenged to create sustainable, reproducible environmental improvements in their local communities.

For more information about the Challenge, visit www.wecanchange.com.