West Branch High School’s T.E.A.M.S. wins Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge

I wrote a story last week about T.E.A.M.S., one of two Iowa teams to be named state finalists in the annual Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. T.E.A.M.S. is comprised of three students, David Fischer, Justin Roth and Sarah Fischer, from West Branch High School. They are mentored by Hector Ibarra.

The students conducted an energy audit to find ways theor school could save money and energy. Their finding resulted in the potential for $10,000 in annual savings. The school board is considering their suggestions.

This is the first year high school students were allowed to participate in the challenge. And they won.

Click here for my previous story. Congratulations T.E.A.M.S.!

Press release from Siemens We Can Change The World Challenge:

The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the College Board today announced the high school winners of the 2011 Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge.

Team “T.E.A.M.S” and their mentor Hector Ibarra from the Learning Without Limits Science Club at West Branch High School won first place in the inaugural year of the high school division for their project on conducting an energy conservation audit of their high school.

More than 1,200 high school students from across the nation participated in the Challenge, which aims to empower young people to create solutions to today's environmental problems. A panel of environmental advocates and science educators selected “T.E.A.M.S” based on the project's ability to creatively identify and present an energy-related issue with local, national and global implications and provide a replicable, viable solution.

David Fischer, Justin Roth and Sarah Fischer along with mentor Hector Ibarra conducted an energy audit of their high school and found many items that could be improved, including replacing the outdated pneumatic thermostat HVAC system and air exchange unit with an energy efficient electronically controlled variable frequency drive. Many of their ideas were accepted and implemented by the School Board.

“Our first-ever high school division challenged teams to utilize their ingenuity and creativity to specifically address an energy-related issue,” said Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, President of the Siemens Foundation. “As energy and fuel-related issues continue to dominate headlines, it is more important than ever that future leaders like team ‘T.E.A.M.S' are engaged and active on these issues.  The Siemens Foundation and its partners are grateful and proud that ‘T.E.A.M.S' is inspiring others to heed this call.”

As the first place winner, team “T.E.A.M.S” will receive a comprehensive prize package, which includes an equal share of a $50,000 scholarship, a chance to present their project at the United Nations and a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge Finalist Green Prize Pack. In addition to the above, Hector Ibarra will receive a $5,000 grant for their school, free registration and hotel accommodations at an upcoming NSTA national or area conference, a one-year membership to NSTA and a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge green prize pack.

Over 35,000 students have participated in the Challenge since it began in 2008.  For more information on the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge and for details on additional Challenge finalists and winners, go to

www.wecanchange.com.