Students Pitch At YSSC Shark Tank …
I’m impressed by the creativity that young people bring to solving problems, even big issues like natural disasters and pollution. I saw that same creativity on display when I attended an event at Yarrabilba State Secondary College in Term 2.
At the event, Shark Tank, students displayed their projects based on the theme: “As an entrepreneur, pitch an innovative solution that makes the world a safer place from climatic events, human impact and/or natural disasters.”
Some of the innovative solutions on display were a bed that protects occupants in an earthquake, a flood sensor alarm that would give 24 hour’s warning, and a whirlybird to generate power in a blackout. Some projects solved environmental issues like plastic waste in the ocean, e.g., food wraps made from seaweed, and plastic bottles that would break down in 3-6 months on land or sea. Pet ID tags made from recycled ring pulls, and potato skins turned into fruit and vegetable bags were just a few more ideas on display.
Some projects may have seemed impractical, but maybe new ideas do, that is, until someone invests time and money to make them real.
What I saw were the runners up as I had to leave before the finalists began their presentations. But it made me wonder: If the runners up had such good ideas, perhaps our future is in good hands as our young people mature and take their place in this world. My hope is that they will always be encouraged to think big, work smart, and never lose their ability to solve problems.
By Susan Alexander (Inspirational Writer & Team Reporter)