In a world where climate change has become a pressing concern, it is heartening to see young students take the lead in tackling this issue. The Hatfield Science Center in Newport, Oregon rece
ntly hosted a middle school renewable energy challenge, where teams from various schools competed to design and build innovative renewable energy solutions.
The challenge was a collaborative effort between the Oregon Coast STEM Hub and the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center. The teams were required to design, build and test renewable energy solutions, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric generators.
The participating teams were made up of students in grades six to eight, who had been preparing for the competition for months. They were supported by their teachers and mentors, who provided guidance and resources to help them develop their ideas. Mrs. Lent's STEAM classes headed down to compete and learn about exciting careers.
The competition was judged by a panel of experts, including scientists and engineers, who evaluated the projects based on a set of criteria, including innovation, sustainability, and functionality. The judges were impressed by the creativity and ingenuity of the teams, who came up with a wide range of solutions, from solar-powered cars to wind turbines made from recycled materials.
Overall, the competition was a huge success, with all the teams demonstrating a deep understanding of renewable energy and a commitment to creating a more sustainable future. The Hatfield Science Center hopes to continue hosting the competition in the future, to encourage more young people to explore the exciting world of renewable energy.
