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thinkBLUE Challenge

About:

thinkBLUE Challenge will empower students to create solutions and ensure water for all, forever! 

This challenge will further engage all school stakeholders, including students, teachers, community, and schools in learning about water security issues and collectively engage in conservation efforts, community service, and ultimately solutions to ensure water for all, forever!

What IS IT?

An engaging new annual competition across schools to deepen learning and engage in cross-curricular learning of water issues, conservation, and solutions. 

  • Providing teachers with annual professional learning opportunities and invitations to engage students in hands-on learning and critical thinking at school and in the community to find solutions. 

  • The challenge will engage different grade level groups in annual projects to deepen their understanding as citizens of our world, to appreciate and advocate for water.

Who can participate?

  • The BLUE Water Challenge is open to PK-12 grade students across elementary, middle and high school across public, charter and private schools.

Goals

  • Promote Water Literacy
    Equip students and staff with knowledge about water sources, uses, cycles, and conservation challenges globally and locally.

  • Foster Sustainable School Practices
    Encourage schools to adopt and model water-wise behaviors, reduce water usage, and implement eco-action initiatives.

  • Empower Student-Led Action
    Inspire student leadership and innovation through hands-on projects that address water issues within the school or community.

  • Build a Culture of Ongoing Sustainability Learning
    Integrate water and sustainability topics into curriculum and school culture for long-term impact.

  • Connect Local Action to Global Goals
    Align efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 13: Climate Action).

Principles

  • Student-Centered Learning
    Activities should be inquiry-based, encourage critical thinking, and allow students to take ownership of learning and solutions.

  • Inclusivity and Equity
    All students, regardless of background or ability, should be able to participate meaningfully.

  • Systems Thinking Approach
    Emphasize understanding how water interacts with ecosystems, society, economy, and climate.

  • Collaboration and Community Engagement
    Encourage teamwork among students, teachers, families, and local organizations.

  • Action-Oriented and Reflective
    Promote not just learning but doing — and reflecting on the outcomes to build resilience and continuous improvement.

  • Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
     Recognize and share successes, no matter how small, to build momentum and engagement.

Outcomes

For Students:

  • Improved understanding of water conservation, local water issues, and environmental impact.

  • Improved skills in problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership.

  • Development of tangible eco-projects (e.g., rainwater harvesting, awareness campaigns, leak audits, etc.).

For Schools:

  • Measurable reductions in water use and waste (where applicable).

  • Integration of sustainability topics into teaching across disciplines.

For Communities:

  • Increased awareness and engagement with local water issues.

  • Ripple effect of sustainable behavior change beyond the school gates.

 
 

Challenge Guidelines and Resources

 Important Dates and Calendar of Events

Want to participate?

Have a great idea for a project?

Stay informed with any new information about the water challenge. (should this be part of a news letter after signing up and not on the website?)

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q:  What is the BLUE Challenge?
    A: The BLUE Challenge is an educational initiative focused on water conservation and sustainability. It empowers students to lead meaningful change in their schools and communities by designing and implementing water-focused projects.

    Q: Who can participate in the BLUE Challenge?
    A:     The challenge is open to K–12 students, with participation guided by teachers or school liaison. 

    Q: Is there a cost to participate?
    A:     No, participation in the BLUE Challenge is completely free for schools, educators, and students.

    Q: What are the goals of the challenge?
    A:     The challenge aims to raise awareness about water issues, inspire real-world solutions, and build a generation of water stewards committed to Water for All, Forever.

    Q: How do we sign up to participate?
    A:     Teachers or school liaisons can register their school or student teams through our [official registration page – insert link].

  • Q: When does the challenge begin and end?
    A:     The challenge typically launches in November  and concludes with final submissions due in February or March depending on grade level. Check our website for this year’s specific dates.

    Q: When are submissions due?
    A:     All project submissions must be received by grade level due date.

    Q: When will winners or acknowledgments be announced?
    A:     End-of-year acknowledgments will be shared  through our website, newsletter, and social media channels.

  • Q: What is the role of the teacher or mentor in the challenge?
    A:     Educators help guide the student experience, provide support, and ensure projects align with the challenge guidelines. They also coordinate submission of student work.

    Q: Is there professional development available?
    A:     Yes! We offer a Professional Learning Session to help teachers integrate the challenge into classroom or extracurricular activities.

    Q: How can I support students in submitting their entry?
    A:     Use our project planning toolkit, brainstorm local water issues, and encourage student inquiry based on their interests.

    Q: Are classroom resources provided?
    A:     Yes, downloadable project templates, and rubrics are available on our website.

    Q: How much classroom time is needed?
    A:     The challenge is flexible. Some classes complete projects in a few sessions, while others integrate it over several weeks or assign components for home learning.

  • Q: What types of projects are accepted?
    A:     Projects during the 2025-2026 school year can take the form of storytelling books, digital powerpoint presentations or community action plans/campaigns that address a water conservation or sustainability issue.

    Q: Can students work in teams?
    A:     Yes! Students may submit as individuals, small groups, or as a whole class as assigned by teacher.

    Q: Are there specific themes we should focus on?
    A:     While all projects should relate to water sustainability, themes may include: access to clean water, pollution prevention, conservation, and climate resilience.

    Q: What are the judging criteria?
    A:     Projects are reviewed based on creativity, impact, student voice, research, and connection to water sustainability. A detailed rubric is available per grade level on our website.

    Q: How do we submit a project?
    A:     For the 2025-2026 school year, elementary grade level storybooks are submitted in person and middle and high school projects submit online by the deadline. Links and instructions are found on our submissions page.

  • Q: Where can we find the guidelines and rubric?
    A:     All materials are available on the [BLUE Challenge website – insert link].

    Q: Do students need internet access to participate?
    A:     While internet access is helpful for research and submission, we provide offline alternatives for classrooms with limited connectivity.

    Q: What file formats are accepted?
    A:     We accept PDF, PowerPoint, Google Slides, and image files. Full details are on our submission page.

  • Q: How are projects recognized?
    A:     All participating schools and students receive certificates, and select projects are highlighted in newsletters and social media.  Select schools demonstrating schoolwide participation receive banner recognition. 

    Q: Will participants receive certificates?
    A:     Yes! Every student who submits a project receives a digital certificate of participation.

    Q: Are there prizes or awards?
    A:     Recognition may include featured spotlights, virtual showcases, and sustainability awards depending on grade level and impact.  Schools generating specific points for schoolwide participation receive banner recognition. 

    Q: Will student work be shared publicly?
    A:     With permission, select projects will be shared in our newsletter, social media, and website to inspire others.


  • Q: How do we stay updated on the challenge?
    A:     Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, tips, and highlights. Visit [insert newsletter sign-up link].

    Q: Who do we contact with questions?
    A:     Email us at Reach@bluemissions.org, and we’ll be happy to support your participation!