Here at MOUSE HQ we just finished making one of the toughest decisions we make all year. We debated for hours--maybe days!--trying to decide which incredible DIY Projects would take the prizes, and we are now proud to announce the winners.

First off: it's worth noting the incredible work that our Best New MOUSE Squad of the Year 2012, The MOUSE Squad at SISCL in Staten Island, New York, put into their DIY Project--check it out here, and learn how to replace a broken iPod Touch screen!

We also received a fantastic project from the MOUSE Squad of the Year 2012, the Nerdy Bulldogs at P.S. 43 in Queens, New York. Watch their video and learn how to change the projector lamp in a Smartboard!

These projects are great examples of the technical expertise, teamwork, and leadership that make these two squads our MOUSE Squads of the Year. And now on to the big winners...

Grand Prize: Eli Whitney Elementary School in Chicago, IL!

The Eli Whitney TechCrew wowed us with an array of six projects, each focusing on a different topic, ranging from 3-D imaging software to creating a website on mousesquad.org! Check out their great projects here:

• Tcecorral shows us how to download Google Sketch-Up...
• ...and then shows how to use it!
• Aleontc created a great guide for adding a printer to a network.
• Tcjgaribaldi made a tutorial on how to create an account on mousesquad.org!
• Aflores209 made a screencast about how to make a website on webs.com, and also included a sample website that he made!
• Tckcardona created a screencast that shows you how to use Microsoft Paint!

Congratulations, Eli Whitney TechCrew! Your projects teach essential skills for MOUSE Squad members and anyone who wants to learn more about important technologies!

AND THE FABULOUS PRIZES...
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a Lego Mindstorms NXT Kit OR a $250 gift certificate for B&H Photo, Video, and Pro Audio Store or Maker Shed!

Runner Up: Belle Haven Elementary School in Menlo Park, CA!

The BH Squad produced a fantastic video that provides step-by-step instuctions for replacing the hard drive in a desktop computer--with a rockin' soundtrack! One of the really great things about this project is that in the process of making the video, they actually taught a new Squad member how to replace a hard drive! Read about it here, and be sure to check out the video!

Congratulations, BH Squad! Your project teaches a great skill, and embraces the spirit of DIY by teaching a Squad Member along the way!

AND THE FABULOUS PRIZES...
The Runner-Up will receive a Lego Mindstorms NXT Kit OR a $250 gift certificate for B&H Photo, Video, and Pro Audio Store or Maker Shed!

Huge thank-you to all the MOUSE Squads across the entire network who submitted DIY Projects this year! We're amazed, impressed, and extremely excited by the work you do, in your schools and beyond. Thank you for another year of incredible teaching, learning, and leadership!