In January, YISS 7th grade student, Jacob C., was chosen to participate in the KU-Cambridge Food & Climate makEAThon, where his team won their age division. Applicants first submitted an essay explaining their experience and concerns about climate change and what they wanted to achieve and learn during the MAKEathon. After being selected to participate, Jacob was placed into a team of five members for his age division.

In his team, he worked to create new business ideas and create prototypes for finding an original solution to the climate challenge. Jacob’s team tackled the challenge by identifying the importance of awareness. They focused on the idea of informing people, especially the younger generation. Accordingly, they developed a learning tool designed in a game format where the objective is to reduce the carbon footprint produced by the food we eat. Unlike other games, the winner has the lowest score, meaning they achieved the “lowest” carbon footprint. The game featured simple rules and pictures, allowing all people, despite language barriers, to enjoy the experience. Jacob was selected as the presenter for his group and explained ways this learning tool could be utilized, especially in a learning environment, in front of the judging panel.

As the winning team for the middle school division, Jacob’s team worked with professors and mentors in the field to finalize and prototype their winning project. The game is currently being made and will be provided soon.