EARTH
Be a Part of the Solution
The Compost Queens
2025 WIND Challenge
The Compost Queens
The Compost Queens strive to create a circular system for composting within their own school. They observed the amount of food that is wasted in their cafeteria, and created a detailed plan for how to turn this food waste into healthy soil that can replenish and revitalize their school's fallow garden. They determined which stakeholders would be necessary within the school to turn this into a reality, as well as the need for a student-run Garden Club that would be responsible for its management. The group sees this as an educational opportunity for teachers at their school, and has created a plan to get students invested in the compost's success
BMS Green Victory Team
2025 WIND Challenge
BMS Green Victory Team
The BMS Green Victory team members observed the problem of community members throwing away untouched food that could have been used as ingredients. Their solution to limiting this food waste is to create an e-cook book -- a collection of recipes that would be made available online and is specifically designed with commonly wasted foods in mind. Their solution idea includes creating recipes that represent various cultures within their community, as well as creating a school club that works with cafeteria staff in order to create sample recipes from unused food items (especially fruit). Equitable accessibility to this cook book was also emphasized in their presentation
The Bubbling Creek Crew
2024 WATER Challenge
Planting Native Species to Reduce Runoff
The Bubbling Creek Crew work towards preventing the degradation of Creek banks and ecosystems in their community. They saw first-hand the damage and harm that was being done to the soil and the banks of these creeks and decided that the best course of action would be to use native plant species to help heal the creek ecosystem. Having consulted city officials and stakeholders, they determined which spots along the creek were in the worst condition and planned to work there. The team went on to plant native live stake species which would grow into dense vegetation at these locations, so that the roots of the plants would hold the soil together and protect it from erosion.
Role of STEAM
Building a future with EARTH solutions at the forefront will require a lot of professionals who embrace a combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math skills.
Good thing this is an STEAM challenge! The world needs passionate young people to study and move into STEAM careers to make this future possible. Below are just a few examples of STEAM professions that will be important to building a circular economy.
Farmers
Farmers grow food and fiber, and are stewards of our soil systems. Through careful planning, science, math, and hard work, farmers can maintain environmental systems to maximize how much crop they produce.
Soil Scientists
Soil scientists track the health of soils to better understand how to improve their fertility, lessen erosion, and fight desertification.
GIS Specialists
Using satellite technology, GIS Specialists can track deforestation rates, changes in flora, and even study how land is used.
Bioengineers
Bioengineers can use a mix of biology and technology to create stronger and healthier crops. They can make crops resistant to pests and drought, or enhance them to contain more nutrients for communities in need.
Forester
Foresters work to protect forests by planting new trees, fighting fires, and generally keeping track of the forests’ growth.
Artists
Art is a powerful way to communicate important ideas and shift culture. Artists that use their platform to advocate for positive change in the world, "artivists", will be an important part of building a circular economy.
how do we define our problem so we can design a solution?
