Tue 17 Oct - International Youth STEM Challenge Showcase on City Sustainability at Museum of London Docklands
Addressing the Global STEM Skills Shortage & Sustainability Challenge -- young people from around the world brainstorm for London's climate crisis
In a world facing a critical shortage of STEM skills, the British International Education Association (BIEA) has taken a pioneering step forward with its STEM Youth Competition, offering students from around the globe a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. This competition not only pits students against their peers in a context-driven, problem-solving challenge but also underscores the vital role STEM skills play in shaping future career paths.
This year's competition presents a captivating theme, calling upon young minds to focus on a city in close proximity to their own. The overarching objectives are to foster connections between cities and future innovators and equip our youth with the life skills required to make our cities and communities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Cities worldwide grapple with the impact of high population densities, which often take a toll on the natural environment. Crafting sustainable cities for the future demands a deep and nuanced comprehension of myriad fluctuating factors and an innovative approach to design and planning. BIEA challenges students to explore their visions for future cities, contemplating how future buildings, transportation systems, and green spaces can coexist harmoniously with both people and the planet. Is it possible to envision a future where fossil fuels are relegated to history, replaced solely by renewable energy sources and sustainable materials?
The competition theme encompasses three key areas:
• Carbon Neutral Buildings
• Revitalising Landscapes
• Greening Transport
BIEA's STEM competition attracted participants between the ages of 6 and 18 from across the globe. The quality of submissions was truly exceptional, with over 40 cities represented. From bamboo bicycles to smart apps designed for urban tree planting, the participating teams poured their knowledge and passion into projects aimed at improving our cities and enhancing the well-being of their inhabitants.
On October 17th, the spotlight will shine on the finalists and award winners at the Museum of London Docklands. A total of 27 teams will converge from England, Scotland, India, France, Turkey, Malaysia, China, Poland, Croatia, Hong Kong and USA. International teams will join forces with London secondary school students from Tower Hamlet for a day of incredible collaboration aimed at brainstorming innovative solutions to London's climate crisis.
Adding a creative touch to the event, students and visitors will come together to create a giant fabric poster, documenting their inspirations for improving our cities and sending a powerful call to action to world leaders to address climate challenges.