Keys to Successful Projects

As an adult leader on the project, you want to be sure that students know what they need to do and can accomplish everything within the time frame. The following are some keys to success:

• Have students choose an issue or problem about which they are passionate. This will help to keep them going when things don't work out exactly as expected.
• Choose at least one member on the team who is outgoing and not afraid to speak out. Teams will be communicating with members of the community during the project.
• Register the team on the Siemens We Change the World Challenge website early in the process to have access to all the resources on the site.
• Read the What the Judges Are Looking For section to help guide students in the things they should do and what they need to include in the on line reporting.
• Lay out the process for the students from the Student Resources page. Make sure they know what's expected up front so there are no surprises.
• Set your own timeline and leave room for delays to give yourself plenty of time to meet the Challenge project submission deadline of March 15. Early submissions are encouraged.
• Know up front that some of this project may require some evenings and weekend work. Students need to factor this into their time commitments at the start of the project.
• Use the checklists to guide students and keep track of progress.
• As each step is completed, enter the team's progress in the application.