The result of the 31st Future City Competition, held on Monday by the U.S. non-profit organization DiscoverE in Washington, was announced at a final award ceremony on Tuesday. After a fierce competition featuring over 55,000 students from 1,500 middle schools nationwide through 37 regional competitions, eighth grade students of Southwest Middle School in Lawrence, Kansas, competed in the final competition with a reimagining of a futuristic Taipei City to make the world know more about Taiwan.
The annual competition has been held for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade STEM students around the U.S. for over 30 years. Through meticulous research, close collaboration, bold innovation and active practice, the student team co-designs a city 100 years in the future to solve the challenges of each year’s theme.
Each year, the competition revolves around the 17 sustainable developmental goals of the United Nations and aims to inspire young people in the United States to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through project-based learning. The competition also tests students' interdisciplinary knowledge and problem-solving skills so as to cultivate innovative thinking, international vision and citizenship.
The theme of this year’s Future City challenge was combatting climate change. Tasked with reinventing Taipei City in 2123, Southwest Middle School students spent about 6 months planning, designing, making and assembling the 3D model, and designed a river and water pressure detective system running through Taipei City. Taiwan's unique cultural landscapes, such as temples, sky lanterns and night markets, embodied the entire model with both technological innovation and humanistic care.
Staff members of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States visited the students to share and exchange information with them on Taiwan's scientific and technological development, climate change measures, as well as culture, tourist attractions and educational opportunities. Staff also examined the 3D model designed by the students and listened to the students' design concepts. TECRO specially prepared Taiwanese bubble tea and Taiwan introduction pamphlets for the meeting to encourage the students, which won unanimous and delightful praise from the students.