OurEcho Challenge - US Team Entry Form

Entry Period: February 24 - April 22, 2025, 11:59 PM ET

The OurEcho Challenge is a STEM competition that empowers young people to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities and propose solutions to address ecological threats in their own backyard.

Young leaders, ages 13-16, are encouraged to work individually or in teams of up to five (5) peers. While not necessary to enter, adult mentors are welcome to assist student-led teams in traditional education settings, at home, or at informal learning environments. The OurEcho Challenge is offered only within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

The following entry form must be completed in a single session and partially completed entry forms cannot be saved for later. It is recommended that the team leader review the entry form and materials first, then gather the Team’s entry materials prior to the session to complete and submit the entry form.

All participating student team members must submit their name and email. In order to ensure that teams are meeting the basic requirements for a qualifying entry, we encourage teams to use the Project Planning Worksheet, Challenge Checklist & Winning Tips and review the Official US Rules prior to hitting "submit."

NOTE: Do not include any bulleted or numbered lists in your narrative entry.

Up three (3) winning teams will be chosen and notified in mid May 2025.

Regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) tools: EarthEcho recognizes the power of AI tools as beneficial for participants to organize their thoughts or refine their entries. The usage of these tools in such a manner will not negatively impact an entry’s chances of acceptance. However, if a participant chooses to utilize an AI tool, it is crucial that the participant thoroughly review and revise all AI content, both for accuracy and for authenticity. Across all of EarthEcho’s programming, EarthEcho seeks individuals who feel genuine passion and who strive to articulate their thoughts and ideas authentically. Evaluators for EarthEcho's program applications are seeking innovators, problem solvers, and individuals or teams who see our global challenges differently. AI tools provide a poor substitute for human creativity and ingenuity. AI tools must not be used to engage in any form of fraud, cheating, plagiarism, or dishonesty.

Please note that EarthEcho International reserves the right in its sole discretion to further modify the timing of the OurEcho Challenge. If such changes are deemed prudent, the new timing and/or format will be noted in the Official Rules and on this website.

Questions? Please direct any questions to ourechochallenge@earthecho.org or 202-350-3190.

TEAM INFORMATION - Tell us about your team

Team name*

School/Organization Name*

City*

State*

TEAM MEMBERS - Who is involved in your project entry?

NUMBER OF TEAM LEADERS*

TEAM LEADER NAMES (Separate with commas)*

TEAM LEADER Emails (Separate with commas)*

Are there other students (Team Associates) working on your entry? If so, how many?*

ADULT MENTORS - Are there any adults that have helped in your entry?

PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME*

PARENT/GUARDIAN EMAIL*

PARENT/GUARDIAN PHONE*

Teacher / ADULT Mentor Name

Mentor Email

Mentor Phone

This competition is open to students in the USA, ages 13-16. *

If your team entry is selected as a top winner, you understand that your team will be responsible for implementing your project by working alongside EarthEcho International, beginning in May 2025. Your team will be required to attend virtual meetings, create presentations and budgets, report your team progress, and create a video showcasing your work.

Yes, all of my Team leaders are ages 13-16 at the time of this entry. I also UNDERSTAND The winning team responsibilities outlined above.

What is the issue/problem that you are hoping to address with your solution?* (150 words or less)
‍Winning Tip: Please describe the ecosystem in your community you are looking to preserve, protect or repair.

Why is this issue or problem important to you?* (300 words or less)
Winning Tip: Be sure to describe how you identified this issue/problem. Please include research that informed your choice. This can be independent research or research results from a partner or mentor.

Describe your idea for a solution to this issue/problem.* (500 words or less)
Winning Tip: Don't forget to follow the Scientific Method or Engineering Design Process as you develop your solution.

If you are awarded the grand prize, how will you develop your solution?*
Winning Tip: Be sure to describe any action that you have already taken or pilot-testing that you have already conducted. Begin work on creating a materials list, budget, and project timeline.

How will you measure whether your solution is successful?*
‍Winning Tip: Explain ways that you hope to measure the effects of your solution in the short term (6 weeks), medium term (6 months),and long term (1 year and beyond).

How will your project make biodiversity better in your community or the world?*
‍Winning Tip: Think of how your solution can create an environment for species to thrive. Also, brainstorm how you can get others involved to create a larger impact.

Optional: Upload any images or photos that may enhance your proposed project
If you would like to upload multiple files, please zip them together. More information on how to zip files using Mac or Windows.

Upload Images

Max file size 10MB.

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Optional: Share a video to enhance your proposed project Note that this video must be an unlisted video on YouTube. Please carefully review Section 6 of the OurEcho Challenge Official Rules.

Youtube link

Did you use any OurEcho Challenge resources? If so, which ones?Have you entered the OurEcho Challenge previously?Where did you hear about OurEcho Challenge?By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to all terms of the Official Rules and Privacy Policy. Contact us at ourechochallenge@earthecho.org if you have any questions or concerns. I COnfirm That I am Not resubmitting An entry that has already been submitted and accepted as a winner of the ourecho Challenge

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OurEcho Challenge - US Team Entry Form

Entry Period: February 24 - April 22, 2025, 11:59 PM ET

TEAM INFORMATION - Tell us about your team

TEAM MEMBERS - Who is involved in your project entry?

ADULT MENTORS - Are there any adults that have helped in your entry?

OurEcho Challenge

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