BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

When was Disney’s Planet Challenge started?

Disney’s Planet Challenge began in 1994 as the California-based Jiminy Cricket’s Environmentality Challenge and was initially a fifth grade competition. In 2009 the program launched nationwide and was renamed Disney's Planet Challenge. At that time, the competition also expanded to include grades 4-6. The current structure of the program, divided between an elementary school competition (grades 3-5) and a middle school competition (grades 6-8), began in 2010.

Why is this an important challenge?

Disney’s Planet Challenge empowers the nation’s youth. As an environmentally focused competition it promotes conservation, informs children about global and local environmental issues, gives them a voice on those issues and helps them to create real and positive change in their communities. As a project-based learning competition, Disney’s Planet Challenge expands the education of its participants. The program adheres to all state academic standards, while also applying an interdisciplinary approach with a STEM focus. It stresses collaboration, and utilizes a hands-on methodology that motivates exploration. This style of learning teaches students valuable decision-making and research skills and prepares them to become engaged citizens within their communities.

ABOUT PARTICIPATION:

Who can participate?

• Any 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade classroom in a public or private school in the United States can participate. 2nd Grade classes can participate if in combination with a 3rd grade classroom. Some areas not included:
  • Puerto Rico
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • American Samoa
  • Guam
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Minor Outlying Islands
• Combination classes can participate — 2/3, 3/4 & 4/5 (3/4/5 combo or 2/3/4/5/ combo if applicable) or 5/6, 6/7 & 7/8 (6/7/8 combo if applicable). 5/6 combo classes must compete within the Middle School competition track.
• After-school clubs can compete as long as the students are comprised of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders or 6th, 7th and 8th graders and as long as the club is an integral part of the regular classroom curriculum.
• Homeschool classrooms can compete under the same grade level stipulations.
• 60 students maximum per each classroom, club or group.
• Multiple teams can be added from Teacher Tools once you are registered and have completed your profile.
• One teacher and up to two co-teachers maximum per classroom or club team.

How many classrooms participate each year?

Participation has been rapidly expanding since the program’s national launch in 2009. Our 2010-2011 competition saw participation from over 1800 classrooms across the nation and included 335 final portfolio submissions.

Why should I participate?

By participating in Disney’s Planet Challenge, you are opening the door to a school year of rewarding activities and a curriculum that will inspire your students to think differently about their roles as environmental stewards and members of society. At the end of the year, you will graduate a group of empowered children who know how to be agents of positive change within their communities.

How much time will this take?

The amount of time devoted to a Disney’s Planet Challenge project is up to the teacher and students. Project-based learning can incorporate many of the state teaching standards, so you could fill your day with educational activities related to the chosen project and this project could potentially become the focus of your classroom throughout the school year. The portfolio submission deadline is Wednesday, February 15, 2012, but your project can continue beyond that date.

Does DPC align with the standards?

Absolutely! All grade-level standards are met include reading, vocabulary, research, writing, oral speaking, science, social studies and math. Disney’s Planet Challenge allows teachers to introduce and create material that not only addresses state standards, but also fully engages the minds, hearts, and hands of students.

What’s a Portfolio? Do you have any examples?

The portfolio is the final project that you will submit to Disney Planet Challenge. Take a moment to review samples of past winning portfolios.

Can parents and members of the community volunteer with the project?

Absolutely! We encourage family and community involvement where possible.

PRIZES AND AWARDS:

Prizes will be awarded to all students and teachers who submit a project regardless of ranking. Prizes may vary depending upon the competition track. Click to learn more about the prizes and awards within your competition. Elementary School Prizes | Middle School Prizes

ENROLLMENT:

How do I enroll?

Is this your first time registering for Disney’s Planet Challenge? If so, Enroll your class here!

If you have registered before, sign in to your account here. Make sure your profile is up to date. Then, select this program year in the Manage Your Registration section. If you have not yet enrolled a team this year, click Register Now. If you have already registered a class this year, click the Add A Team button in the Manage Your Project section.

When do I need to enroll by?

To enroll for the 2011-2012 Disney’s Planet Challenge program, you will need to register by Friday, December 23rd, 2011 12:00AM PST. All registrations received after December 23th, 2011 will automatically be enrolled in the 2012-2013 program.

How do I know if I am enrolled?

Upon completing the registration process, you will receive an email with your user name and password. If you have registered and have not received a confirmation email, please contact us immediately.

Do you have my correct information?

Using your user name and password, log in here where you can verify all of the information that we have for you on file.