Students Solving Real-World Problems

Students designed low-cost solar water purifiers using UV sterilization and activated carbon filters. Prototypes tested in both schools, adapted for Jamaican materials.

Created web app calculating optimal rain barrel placement and capacity based on roof size, rainfall data, and household needs. Includes Jamaican parish-specific data.

Students developed low-cost water testing kit using pH strips, turbidity tubes, and bacterial culture methods. Kit detects contamination from sewage, chemicals, and debris after flooding. Includes smartphone app for data logging and community mapping of safe water sources.

Students analyzed roof failure patterns from Hurricane Melissa, designed low-cost reinforcement kits using locally available materials. Created installation guides for community workshops.

Students engineered low-cost building blocks using locally abundant bamboo fiber mixed with concrete. Blocks are 30% stronger than standard concrete, use 40% less cement, and leverage Jamaica's bamboo resources. Created manufacturing process teachable in community workshops.

Collaborative design competition for rapid-assembly emergency shelters using bamboo, tarps, and rope. Winning designs tested in both locations for climate adaptability.

Designed SMS-based alert system for hurricane warnings, evacuation routes, and resource distribution. Works on basic phones, no smartphone required.

Students built low-power mesh radio network using Raspberry Pi and LoRa modules. System operates without internet, allows school-to-school emergency communication.

Students built low-cost weather stations using Arduino, measuring temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, and rainfall. Data uploaded to shared database creates real-time hurricane tracking and early warning system. Stations cost under $50 each using locally available parts.

Students designed neighborhood-scale solar micro-grids with battery storage, serving 10-15 homes each. System continues operating during grid outages, prioritizes critical loads (medical equipment, refrigeration, communication). Includes training program for local installation and maintenance.

Students designed modular solar charging stations for phones, laptops, and medical devices. Units include battery backup for nighttime use and cloudy days.

Created bicycle-powered generators for emergency lighting and phone charging. Students calculated power output, designed efficient gear ratios, built prototypes.

Students designed flood-resistant aquaponics systems combining fish farming and hydroponic vegetables. Systems use elevated tanks, backup aeration, and rapid drainage to survive flooding. Produces protein (tilapia) and vegetables year-round with 90% less water than traditional farming. Designed for easy disassembly before hurricanes.

Students built low-cost soil sensors measuring pH, moisture, and nutrients. Created mobile app for farmers to track soil health and optimize planting schedules.

Designed space-efficient vertical gardens using recycled materials (PVC pipes, bottles). System includes drip irrigation, grows leafy greens and herbs in limited space.

Students designed peer support network connecting trauma-affected students across schools. Includes trained peer counselors, resource guides, and virtual support groups.

Students designed low-cost delivery drones for transporting medical supplies, blood samples, and medications to remote areas cut off by flooding or damaged roads. Drones use GPS waypoint navigation, can carry 5 lbs up to 10 miles, and land autonomously. System includes ground stations at 15 rural health clinics.

Created virtual reality first aid training simulations for hurricane-related injuries. Low-cost VR using smartphones and cardboard viewers, works offline.