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Army Sponsors Online Competition for Middle-Schoolers

Army Sponsors Online Competition for Middle-Schoolers

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. -- Seventh and eighth grade students in the United States, U.S. territories and Department of Defense public, private and home schools are now eligible to participate in eCYBERMISSION, a unique, completely Web-based science, math and technology competition for middle school students.

Student teams identify a problem in their community that is related to one of four theme areas: health and safety, arts and entertainment, sports and recreation, or the environment. Teams then formulate a hypothesis, conduct research and experiments, and submit their solution. Students are encouraged to collaborate as a team using online discussion forums, bulletin boards and monitored chat sessions. Judges then review and score the team submissions to determine regional winners. Teams with the highest cumulative score in their region are invited to a finalist round where they present their projects to a panel of judges. Regional winners receive U.S. savings bonds.

"eCYBERMISSION is about getting students of all levels interested in science, math and technology," said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki. "The country's future successes depend on having a civilian and military work force skilled in science, math and technology. The Army is working in partnership with other government and private-sector organizations to provide opportunities for young people to develop interests in these important disciplines so that America can maintain its technological edge."

The Army is funding development of the competition, including promotional activities and awards. Furthermore, cyber-guides from Army laboratories and engineering centers serve as online subject-matter experts for students. Army ambassadors help promote the competition to teachers, students and community groups through nationwide public outreach efforts. The Army plans to expand the competition to the ninth and 10th grades during the 2003-2004 school year.