What it means to Volunteer as an eCYBERMISSION Virtual Judge

eCYBERMISSION Virtual Judges play an important role in the competition by determining the regional winners through a fair and objective evaluation process. Volunteering as a Virtual Judge in the eCYBERMISSION competition is simple and rewarding. Virtual Judges have the rare opportunity to see the work of our nation’s future scientists and engineers.

Students that participate in the eCYBERMISSION competition work in teams of three or four, mentored by an adult Team Advisor, to identify and propose solutions to challenges in their communities by using the scientific method. Teams submit a Mission Folder online where they answer questions about their projects and attach files that support their research. It is the Virtual Judge’s responsibility to review and score these Mission Folders to determine the winning teams.

“The experience itself was easy because it’s online,” said Beth Johnson an eCYBERMISSION Virtual Judge. “While I kept getting folders sent to me, I really didn’t mind because I really enjoyed the content.”

In order to be a Virtual Judge you must be at least 18 years of age and have a background or interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) or education. Virtual Judges must have access to the Internet in order to score Mission Folders during the month of March 2011. Virtual Judges may not participate in the competition as an Ambassador, Team Advisor or CyberGuide.

To register, go to the eCYBERMISSION web site and click “Virtual Judge Registration” under the registration tab. Use the registration code “Social” and fill out your information.

Don’t think you’re up to being a Virtual Judge but still want to volunteer? Check out the Ambassador, Team Advisor and CyberGuide roles on the eCYBERMISSION web site at www.ecybermission.com.

For questions about the Virtual Judge role, the eCYBERMISSION competition or the registration process, please contact the Volunteer Program Coordinators at 1-866-GO-CYBER (462-9237), or via e-mail at volunteerprogram@ecybermission.com