Photo of eCybermission 2013 finalists presenting their project courtesy of U.S. Army RDECOM.

This time of year, kids might be getting some really cool action toys, from James Bond to Jessica Jones. But those in grades 6 to 9  might be getting tired of that plastic stuff and are ready to play super-spy detective all on their own.

Their mission, if they choose to accept it: eCybermission.

The U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program is sponsoring an Internet-based science fair that is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and can be used to engage students in science and engineering practices.

Teams of 3 to 4 students, along with an adult adviser, identify a problem to solve in their community. Issues should fall into one of several broad categories, ranging from national security to alternative energy and the environment. From there, teams will prepare a “Mission Folder,” in which they use either scientific practices or engineering design process to answer the challenge. Click HERE to learn more about the contest.

Teams must register by December 7, 2016. (Early deadline is Nov. 2, with teams eligible to win a free STEM kit.)  Entries are due February 22, 2016. Build your team today!

Filed under: Competitions and Contests, K-12 Outreach Programs

Tags: AEOP, Alternative Energy, Competitions for Students, Contest, Cybersecurity, eCybermission 2016, Grades 6-8, national security, NGSS, STEM education, Web Resources