The OurEcho Challenge
The OurEcho Challenge is a STEM competition that empowers students to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities. Students will first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect, or repair those natural resources.
OURECHO CHALLENGE ENTRY PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED. STAY TUNED AS WE ANNOUNCE THE FINALIST TEAMS FROM THE UK AND THE US!
This year, the OurEcho Challenge is open to students in the US (Grades 5 - 9) and the UK (Years 6 - 10). This year, the competition is open for entries from November 3, 2022 - March 3, 2023. Explore these webpages and resources to learn more about how to submit your students’ plan to change the world!
The Prizes
US Grand Prize: $5,000
UK Grand Prize: £5,000
US 2nd Prize: $2,500
UK 2nd Prize: £2,500
US 3rd Prize: $1,000
UK 3rd Prize: £1,000
Why Biodiversity?
Like an echo, the impact of every living species resonates among all other life to create the balance on which we all rely. This interconnectivity of life is called biodiversity. From the majestic blue whale to the hardworking honeybee, the complex web of life we call biodiversity touches every inch of our planet, including our own backyards. And now, more than ever, this life sustaining variety needs our help.
Recognizing that half of the world’s biodiversity has been destroyed since 1970, the OurEcho Challenge empowers and engages young problem solvers in understanding, respecting and protecting the amazing diversity of species essential for the future of our planet. Teams of middle school students, guided by an educator or mentor, tackle the decline in biodiversity head-on by identifying threats to natural resources in their communities and developing an innovative solution and action plan in the form of a sustainable process or prototype.
Looking for inspiration? Meet the previous OurEcho Challenge winning teamsto learn about their projects to preserve biodiversity in their own backyards
