TCMS Among the 300 State Finalists in the National Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition

Tri County Middle School, part of the Tri County Area Schools District in Howard City, MI, has been named one of 300 State Finalist in the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, receiving a $2,500 prize package.
 

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national competition designed to empower students in grades 6-12 to leverage the power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities.  The competition empowers public middle and high school students to catalyze change by applying Problem-based Learning (PBL) principles, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurship to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. 
 

Students in Dr. Christina Adamson’s 6th hour Computer class identified trash around the combined campus at Tri County Area Schools as an issue they could address.  The student’s idea was to modify a trash can with multiple sensors.  One would act as a switch to activate the next sensor and would be triggered when someone pushes the flap on the trash can.  The next sensor would be attached to a scale, and if there is a change in weight detected in the trash bag, then a third sensor would dispense a sticker (or ticket) to the person as a small prize.
 

Teachers and students at each of the State Finalist schools will now be asked to submit an activity plan, detailing how their proposed STEM solution will address the identified community issue.  State winners will be revealed in late January.  

• 50 State winners will receive a Samsung Video Kit to assist in the development of their “STEM solution pitch video”, as well as $12K in Samsung technology.
• 10 National Finalist Schools will participate in a live pitch event where they will present their project to a panel of judges.    

Joe Williams, Principal at Tri County Middle School said this about Dr. Adamson, “Dr. Adamson is a dynamic teacher that constantly strives to engage our students and create opportunities for them.  Tri County Middle School is grateful to have Dr. Adamson.” 

For more information on the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition visit samsung.com/us/solvefortomrrow/