Contest Assignment

People across the globe are recognizing more and more the importance of protecting the environment. At the same time, students and teachers are using technology more and more in teaching and learning. While the use of technology creates some additional demand on the environment through manufacturing and power usage, it also provides powerful tools to learn about how to protect the environment.

Write an essay of 1000 words or less describing a program for how students and teachers can use technology to protect the environment. Include how you think the program could affect your school and community.

Who Can Apply?

Students from 5th grade and up are eligible to apply. There are two categories: middle school (5th-8th grade) and high school (9th-12th grade). Only three (3) students from each school may apply. An institution that contains students in both categories is eligible to submit applications for three in each category.

How to Apply

Along with the essay, applicants must submit the application in this file. The completed application can either be emailed to greenlight@pcmallgov.com with the subject “Green Light Contest” or mailed to PC Mall Gov, Inc., Attn: Green Light Contest, 2555 W. 190th Street, Torrance, CA 90504.

Submission Criteria

• Student is in either 5th-8th grade or 9th-12th grade. One category must be selected
• Student is a citizen of the United States or its territories or is a legal permanent resident
• Application includes a teacher or school representative signature, along with the signature of the student’s parent or guardian
• Applications must be received by December 1, 2008. Applications received after this date will not be considered
• Winners will be announced at the Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC) in January, 2009

Essay Criteria

Essays will be judged by a panel of leaders in the field of education and technology. Each category will be judged separately with the winner of each category receiving the 1st prize. The essay with the best idea for the use of “green” technology in learning will win the grand prize for that student’s school. The judging criteria below will be used.

The essay must be typed, single-sided and double-spaced, with 1” margins on all sides and using a 12-pt font. Essays must not be more than 1,000 words.

Prizes

Grand Prize: Winning student’s school will receive a 30-seat “green” computer lab. One Grand Prize will be awarded

1st Prize: Winning student in each category will each win a “green” laptop. Two 1st Prizes will be awarded

Consolation: Publication of essay on T.H.E. Journal online magazine for grand prize and 1st prize winners, along with two consolation winners. Four essays will be published

Sponsors

The Green Light Contest is sponsored by PC Mall Gov, 1105 Media/T.H.E. Journal, Hewlett-Packard and InFocus.

For More Information

Visit www.pcmallgov.com/greenlightcontest or send an email to greenlight@pcmallgov.com with the subject “Information”. On the website you can find some “green” tips and tricks and links to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) site for more, posters with some of these tips/tricks to display at school or home, and much more!

Judging Criteria

Judges will be representatives from the sponsors of the contest, PC Mall Gov, 1105 Media, and Hewlett-Packard. Each essay will be reviewed and scored on the following criteria:

• Potential Impact (40 pts.): The program’s potential environmental impact on the school
• Innovation (20 pts.): The program’s originality
• Implementation (20 pts.): The program’s capability to be implemented
• Replication (20 pts.): The program’s capability to be replicated