Five Vermont schools are among the nation’s 255 state finalists for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest, a program that encourages teachers and students to solve real-world issues in their community using classroom skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The state finalists will receive technology as well as a professional development class from PBS TeacherLine for the teacher that entered the competition. Next, the five finalists will submit a lesson plan outlining how they will address the challenge with their students while working with their communities to address issues like water pollution and street safety – all with a share of $2 million on the line.
In the state of Vermont, teachers cited environmental concerns and low student motivation as the most prominent issues in their school communities.
Vermont Finalists
1. Enosburg Falls High School, Enosburg Falls
2. Thetford Academy, Thetford
3. Essex High School, Essex Junction
4. Northfield Middle and High School, Northfield
5. Missisquoi Valley Union High School, Swanton
· The 255 state finalists will create lesson plans that put their ideas into action.
· From there, 51 state winners (representing the 50 states plus Washington, D.C.) will be selected.
· From that pool of 51, 15 national finalists will be selected. The finalists will then pitch their idea to a panel of live judges and America will be able to vote on their favorite ideas.
· Five national winners will then be selected and will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where they will also get the opportunity to meet their Congressmen and Senators.
Source: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. 11.17.2014