When teachers or students register, SDSTA asks that you select referred by "NSTA State Chapter" on the first page & then "South Dakota" on the next page.  (We're attempting to get more teachers & students to look at this science fair competition.....Thank you.

Program Summary

eCYBERMISSION (eCM) is a free, web-based STEM competition for students in grades 6-9. eCM challenges students to think about real-world applications of STEM by working in teams to identify a problem in their community and use the scientific method, scientific inquiry or engineering design process to find a solution. Students compete for state, regional and national awards, with potential winnings of up to $8,000 (maturity value) in US Savings Bonds.

Sponsors/Partnerships

U.S. Army – part of the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP): Army-sponsored research, education competitions, internships and practical experiences designed to engage and guide students and teachers in STEM education

• NSTA joins the consortium of the Youth Science Cooperative Outreach Agreement (YSCOA) under lead of Virginia Tech

Program Themes

Student teams must choose one of the following 7 Mission Challenges:

• Alternative Sources of Energy
• Environment
• Food, Health and Fitness
• Forces & Motion
• National Security & Safety
• Robotics
• Technology

Participants

Students: Grades 6-9
Team Advisors: teachers, coaches, counselors or leaders in youth organizations
Ambassadors*: civilian or military volunteers who promote eCM in their community
CyberGuides*: civilian or military volunteers who provide online assistance to eCM teams and promote the program in their local community
Virtual Judges: independently score Mission Folders submitted by the student teams
      * requires active DoD security clearance or Federal Background check

Dates

July 9 Registration open                                            Oct 15 Early registration deadline
Dec 14 Team registration deadline                             Feb 1 CyberGuide reg deadline
Mar 1 Virtual Judge reg deadline                                Mar 1 Submission deadline
Mar 4-27 Virtual Judging                                           Apr 1 State winners announced
Apr 22-26 Regional Judging                                      Mid-June National Judging and Education Event