• Vickery Creek Elementary students along with mentor Laura Fedorchuk were concerned about the use of plastic bags for shopping. They sold reusable bags at parents' nights and reached out to larger grocery chains to find out about providing incentives to use reusable bags. From their data, they noticed a dramatic increase in the number of reusable bags used and have reached out to their senator and mayor for additional support.

Third Place Winners: Team "Water Rescuers" from Lakeland, FL

• Lincoln Avenue Academy students along with mentor Mijana Lockard decided their school needed to have responsible behavior when using water outdoors. The class made rain barrels to collect water on rainy days and transformed every garden at their school into xeriscapes. They also hope to introduce their plan to the district's school board and campaign to reduce outdoor water waste at all schools around the district.

The high school grand prize-winning team will receive an equal share of a $50,000 scholarship and a chance to present their project at the United Nations. Each member of the middle school grand prize-winning team will receive a $10,000 Savings Bond, a Discovery Adventures trip to Costa Rica and a pocket video camera to capture their trip. Elementary school winners earn a $5,000 grant, a Discovery Education assembly, in addition to a Siemens We Can Change the World prize pack. For additional prizing details, visit:

• High School: http://www.wecanchange.com/high-school/about-challenge/prizes/
• Middle School: http://www.wecanchange.com/middle-school/about-challenge/prizes/
• Elementary School: http://www.wecanchange.com/elementary-school/about-challenge/prizes/

For more information on the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, go to www.wecanchange.com.  

About Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge ( www.wecanchange.com) is a premier national sustainability challenge that empowers students in grades K-12 to develop and share environmental solutions that can help change the world. The Challenge is a collaborative effort of the Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education, the College Board and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to educate, empower and engage elementary, middle and high school students and teachers to become "Agents of Change" in improving their schools, communities and world. To date, more than 17,500 students have participated, creatively engaging their communities to find solutions to a local environmental issue or global energy challenge. All participants research their issue using scientific investigation and create a replicable green solution using web-based curriculum tools powered by Discovery Education. For more information, visit www.wecanchange.com.

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, and The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, which encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues. In February 2010 the Siemens Foundation launched its newest initiative, The Siemens STEM Academy, a national STEM education program for teachers designed to support educators in their efforts to foster student achievement in these fields. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow's scientists and engineers. The Foundation's mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens' U.S. companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For further information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Communications (DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education.  Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement.  Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services.  Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

SOURCE Discovery Communications