HANOVER, W.Va. – A group of middle school students hoping to solve problems in their community is competing for national recognition in the semifinals of Samsung’s “Solve for Tomorrow” STEM competition.
The team from Huff Consolidated School in Hanover developed a five-stage water filtration system as its project, inspired by the ongoing water crisis in southern West Virginia.
“The kids started asking questions about why the creeks and streams had orange residue in the water, which led us into investigating and doing more research about what was going on. As we learned more about the water crisis, we realized we might actually be able to do something about it,” teacher Brittany Baker said on MetroNews Midday.
The students from Huff are one of ten groups of finalists and will present their pitch on Tuesday with hopes of receiving a top-three finish nationally, which would double the winnings they’ve already received. Part of the selection process includes the “Community Choice” vote through the competition’s website.
“We’ve already secured right at $50,000 in Samsung technology. If we win at the national level and become top three in the competition, they will advance to $100,000 in Samsung technology for the classroom,” Baker said.
The end of the competition is not going to be the end of the project though. Baker said her students are interested in using the technology they’ve put together to try to help their fellow West Virginians who are struggling with the water crisis.
“It’s something that we plan on pursuing and trying to get the community involved, and maybe at the state level, to help those that can’t afford the high cost of a filtration system so maybe we can put those into the homes of people that can’t afford them,” she said.
As for the kids themselves, Baker said the excitement is off the charts and the competition is giving them the opportunity to make an impact in the community. She’s proud to see her students stepping up and standing out.
“They’re on cloud nine. I’ve seen them take on the role so wondefully. They’re able to speak to you about it and talk about it and it inspires them to go out into the community and talk to others,” she said.
Pitches for the finalists begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.