Last week, Disney announced the launch of the second annual Disney’s Planet Challenge, a free project-based environmental and science competition for classrooms nationwide. Formerly open to 4th through 6th grade classrooms, Disney’s Planet Challenge is being expanded to include two tracks: one for elementary schools grades 3–5, and another for middle schools grades 6–8. The middle school curriculum will offer an increased focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.
Developed in collaboration with NSTA and the K–12 Alliance, the Challenge offers students the chance to use their imagination and creativity to help the planet while giving educators a fresh new way to motivate students with the help of an educationally sound curriculum that meets national and state guideline requirements.
The national grand prize–winning elementary school class will enjoy a celebration at Disneyland® Resort while middle school national winners will earn a $20,000 grant for their school. Both grand prize-winning classrooms will be illustrated and appear within a Marvel comic book. Winning teachers will receive a one year NSTA membership. The grand-prize winning educators will also receive an expense-paid trip to the national 2012 NSTA conference where they will be recognized at the NSTA awards banquet.
For more information or to enroll in the program, visit www.Disney.com/planetchallenge
Enrollment is open through December 17, 2010.