This annual competition provides local school districts with an opportunity to explore careers utilizing science, technology, engineering and math.
This year’s competition, “Improving Pennsylvania through STEM,” featured teams of students from DuBois, Franklin, Redbank and Titusville school districts. The teams were challenged to research, present and design a device or project that is capable of making the quality of life better for citizens of Pennsylvania.
The DuBois team won first place in the competition and will proceed onto the state competition. They developed a system to harness energy from wasted ice to supplement air conditioners which would save costs for restaurants and other establishments that serve iced beverages.
The Franklin team developed a product that increases accessibility to tables and/or desks for those in wheelchairs. The table is designed to run on battery power to operate actuators that raise and lower the table surface. It also included an insert that could hold an iPad or a variety of manipulatives to assist in non-verbal communication and learning.
The Titusville team created a plastic gutter guard. Their design can be easily installed on a gutter and are more cost-effective than the traditional gutter covers.
The Redbank Valley team recognized a problem regarding homelessness in Pennsylvania. They developed a prototype of a mobilized showering facility that included two showers and a restroom. The space is designed to meet ADA regulations and each person would be given a small bag containing personal hygiene supplies.