Lakeland Students Honored as Finalists in National Competition

The Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education have named a team of middle school students from Lawton Chiles Middle Academy in Lakeland, Fla., as national finalists in the 2014 Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge.  Team “Just Jeep Swimming” was named a finalist for their project on reducing the harmful effects of monofilament fishing line on terrestrial and marine wildlife.

The finalists from Lakeland discovered Monofilament line, the most commonly used fishing line, is made of a plastic that is deadly to terrestrial and marine wildlife. Monofilament fishing line is composed of non-biodegradable materials, causing the line to become a danger to wildlife through entanglement, indigestion and a myriad of other ways. 

As part of a rigorous three-part judging process, an esteemed panel of environmental advocates, STEM professionals, science teachers and professors selected this year’s winners based on each project’s viable solution to a real world environmental challenge. Each member of team “Just Keep Swimming” will receive a finalist certificate and a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge green prize pack. Lawton Chiles Middle Academy will also receive a congratulatory Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge banner.

As a result of the Challenge, past winners have gone on to present their projects at the United Nations and the White House Science Fair, to the Chief Administrator of the EPA, and to other national, regional and local officials. Many projects have gone on to change schools’ policies and inspire new ideas for politicians to craft green legislation.

For more information on the Challenge, the national winners and finalists and their projects, visit:  www.wecanchange.com.