NASA-Inspired Challenge Sparks Local Students’ Innovative Environmental Solutions
Barbados delivered the first international version of Space Science Engineering Foundation’s (SSEF) Environmental Design Challenge (EDC). This pilot version of the EDC was executed at the Providence Secondary School through the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust on December 9th, 2024.
Now named the Barbados Environmental Design Challenge (BBEDC), spearheaded by Gianni Austin, BECT Junior Steering Committee Lead and SSEF Barbados Development Lead, the event brought an immersive, industry-style design experience to local students.
A Framework for Youth Environmental Innovation
The BBEDC is no ordinary classroom exercise. Originally inspired by NASA engineers, it has been adapted from the International Space Settlement Design Challenge into an environmental challenge.
Pivoting towards industry-style working, secondary school students are placed in teams of 20-30, consisting of peers and colleagues. Each team forms a company structure, electing leadership internally, after which they receive a ‘Request for Environmental Proposal’. The teams are given a set period of time (between 6-24 hours) to design sustainable solutions addressing structures, utilities infrastructure, human health, food security, economic stability, environmental remediation and more. Each team produces a single deliverable, which is presented to a panel of clients (judges), followed by a Q&A session to delve deeper into the students’ ideas and reasoning. Sub-contracts are awarded to teams for innovative solutions, and all participants receive certificates from SSEF, BECT, and other supportive organisations.
BBEDC Providence School was facilitated by BECT’s Junior Steering Committee (Gianni Austin, Imperial College London undergraduate, Ghansham Kumar, environmental specialist, and Gabi O’Pray), SSEF staff (Alison Ahearn, Director of Education, and Bethan Mann, Webmaster) and Providence Secondary School staff (Mr White, Principal, and Mr Gittens, IT Wizard). Special mention to the Providence School 5th form volunteers who helped run the event on the day (Tej Thomson, Samuel Whelan, Lucas Maguire, Sowande Durant).
According to Jenny Lyons, CEO of SSEF, “BECT’s leadership in hosting this event highlights their vision for environmental innovation, Providence School’s readiness to serve its students and the strength of the Barbados education system.”
An Exciting and Practical Approach to Learning
BBEDC Providence was set in Freetown, Sierra Leone. BECT Founder, Neysha Soodeen explained, “The challenge is relatable because environmental issues are affecting everyone, regardless of location. Nurturing professional mindsets with a global perspective will lead to solutions and innovations that can be transferable across regions.” Given this, participating students were encouraged to enhance their creativity while refining their ideas in a practical manner.
Given the complexity of the challenge, each team internally formed multidisciplinary subteams to develop holistic ideas; the pilot gave students a taste of the fast-paced, interdisciplinary nature of industry work. As Neysha Soodeen emphasised, “No single student can consider so many topics. The key is collaboration.” With the help of advisors, students worked through challenges, submitted proposals, and presented their ideas in a competitive yet supportive environment.
The pilot was not just beneficial for the students, but also fun! Results of the post-event participant survey show 90%+ approval rating for great student experience, improved confidence for having completed it and willingness to do it again. When asked to identify what they developed most during the event participants said: improved teamwork, confidence, leadership and ability to address environmental issues.
Perhaps most importantly, over 92% would want to take part in a BBEDC again and a senior staff member commented that this programme should be at every school on the island!
The Vision for BBEDC
BECT Executive Director, Ché Greenidge, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the challenge, noting, “Originally inspired by NASA engineers, SSEF has adapted this into an engaging environmental challenge, showcasing innovation in education. The success of this pilot has benefited the students, and we look forward to its expansion across the island—setting a precedent for other countries to follow.”
As Barbados takes the lead in hosting this groundbreaking event, it serves as a model for other nations seeking to inspire the next generation of environmental innovators.