'How would you like your lunch packed? In a calabash, please!'
Sustainable innovations from creative young minds wow judges in an international STEM challenge
This week, 43 finalist teams from 16 countries and regions are taking part in the final round of the 2021 International STEM Competition from the British International Education Association (BIEA).
"RePack to Restore Our World" is this year's competition theme; teams are asked to use their STEM knowledge to develop sustainable food packing for school and workplace lunches.
In the first round, all participating teams produced a research report, prototype designs, and experiments on their creations. In addition, many looked into the environmental and health impact of plastic food packaging on a local and global scale, building up the knowledge and skills needed to take action on climate change.
The competition is an inclusive and accessible international event that encourages the development of transferable scientific skills in young people. Dr Alex Holmes, Head of STEM at the BIEA, said when introducing the competition at the launch: "The theme of each STEM innovation competition is trying to solve an urgent problem that we face about the living environment. Only with an in-depth understanding of the problems can we then think about the solutions based on STEM knowledge."
The final round received fantastic support from the international STEM community. STEM Ambassadors from academia and industry volunteered to offer their expertise on the judging panel. This was made possible through the STEM Learning collaboration.
Both the finalist teams and the judges have found the panel sessions incredibly engaging. So far, 25 different designs and materials have been presented, such as jelly wraps, calabash, bioplastics made from algae and waxed paper. More innovative ideas are expected in the coming days.
Speaking of her judging experience, Dr Gilu George, Director of the Associated Network at Cranfield School of Management, said: "It was such as wonderful experience to be on the judging panel and listen to the innovative ideas of brilliant students from different parts of the world. There are a lot of ways STEM Ambassadors can share their passion and continue to motivate the younger generation."