Build a Better World Challenge

Build a Better World Challenge

Congratulations to our 2023 Winners!

Reyhaan Thummadi & Sian Kotha – Edible Cutlery

Karen Hendricks, Ines Rosales & Giuliana Mudryj – Rainwater and Education: Road to Restoration


The Build a Better World Challenge, revolves around design solutions to some of our most pressing issues of climate change and resiliency! Our theme for the 2023 Visit Lauderdale Science Festival revolved around Cutting Waste and Boosting Efficiency. South Florida students are divided into two categories, Juniors (grades 5th-8th) and Seniors (grades 9th-12th). Finalists had the chance to win cash prizes and the winner received a grand prize of over $8,000 to fund their project!

South Florida is ground-zero for the effects of climate change. We must address climate change at its source, while adapting to remain resilient to the impacts of increased extreme weather, heat, flooding and sea level rise.

Participants in the Build a Better World Challenge will use innovation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to create solutions which address climate change and its impact. Stay tuned for the 2025 theme!

Prizes

The overall 2023 winning idea received $8,500 to get their idea off the ground with funds given to a partner organization to mentor the winner.

The top 3 ideas from each category received a cash prize for personal use

  • 1st Place $350
  • 2nd Place $250
  • 3rd Place $150

The top 15 from each category received their choice of a Family Membership to MODS or IMAX Hollywood movie passes! Our top 15 ideas from each category were featured during the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival where they presented their ideas, with final judging being conducted by a panel of resilience and sustainability experts.


Idea Submissions

Applicants can be individuals or a group no larger than five people. Projects should be one or more of the following: A PowerPoint Presentation (maximum of 15 slides), a Video (maximum of 5 minutes), and/or a Document (maximum of 5 pages, PDF or Word document).

Project entries should include the following: 

  1. Vision and Mission: explain what your project will do 
  2. Stakeholders Involvement: who will your project effect
  3. Needs Statement: explain why your project is needed and why it is better than other similar ideas, if applicable
  4. Budget: estimate of how much you think the project will cost to get up and running and how many people it will take to implement
  5. Marketing/Education: explain how you will promote and educate the public about your project
  6. Evaluation: explain how you will know if your project is successful at meeting its mission
  7. Prototype or Scale Model: if applicable, include a prototype version or scale model of your project
  8. Bibliography: document your sources of information and research 

Scoring Rubric


What is the Build a Better World Challenge?

How Do I Submit an Idea for the Challenge?

How Are Ideas Scored in the Challenge?


Completed proposals should be emailed to team@scienceunderthesun.org.

Do you accept the challenge? 

Submit the form below to stay connected!


Build a Better World Challenge Interest Form

Name(Required)
Postal Address(Required)
Are you between the ages of 12-18?(Required)
The top 15 ideas from each category will be asked to present at the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival on March 4, 2023. If selected, will you be able to attend?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Teacher Incentives

Teachers can receive prizes for helping their students develop their ideas!

Teachers of the top 15 ideas from each category will receive a Teacher Membership to MODS and those that support the top 3 ideas from each category will receive a free STEMobile outreach for their class!

Sponsorship
Opportunities

Be a part of this exciting initiative by providing your company with visibility and employee engagement opportunities, while supporting the community! Sponsorship opportunities start at $1,000.

Sponsors