Students from across the Warren County School District recently showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills at the STEM Design Challenge held at the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5 in Edinboro.

The competition, which brought together teams from multiple regional schools, featured 4th and 5th grade students competing on April 13, followed by 6th through 8th graders on April 14. Participants were tasked with researching, planning and designing a sustainable factory system using K’NEX or Engino materials. Each prototype was required to demonstrate environmentally responsible practices such as reducing waste, maximizing efficiency and incorporating recycled or reusable resources.

Schools represented from Warren County included Beaty-Warren Middle School, Eisenhower Elementary and Middle/High School, Sheffield Area Elementary, Warren Area Elementary School, and Youngsville Elementary and Middle/High School.

In the 4th and 5th grade division, an Eisenhower team known as “Bamboo Basher” earned second place for its wind-powered machine that produces biodegradable water bottles using sustainable materials. Team members Kenzie Guiher, Elyzza Linkerhof, Lydia Carlstrom and Autumn Waite emphasized perseverance in their project, noting that “small progress is still progress.”

Third place went to Sheffield’s “Metal Melter,” a recycling system designed to sort and process metals using sensors and conveyor belts. Team members Titus Goodwine, Toby Leichtenberger, Ava Robbins and Avalee Seither developed a machine capable of identifying and directing metals for melting or crushing to enable reuse.

Youngsville’s “Gummy Bear” team received the Most Creative Concept award. Gabriella Rose, Sadie Watson, Claire Williams and Caroline Everetts designed a system that helps the environment while also molding gummy candy.

“We had the machine reuse the waste so that it doesn’t end up in the landfill and hurt the environment,” said team member Claire Williams. “Some companies don’t worry about the environment when they should because it is an important place for the animals and plants. ”

“It was impressive to watch this group of young girls pull their ideas together and come up with a good project,” said Brown. “They have many years ahead of them to hone their ideas and skills.”

In the 6th through 8th grade division, first place was awarded to “Team Green Beans” from Beaty-Warren Middle School. The team of Kaylee Gray, Kaitlyn Salapek, Elsie Woldt and Ashlynn Zawacki developed a soil sifting system designed to combat soil pollution. Their project uses filtration, water and fungi to remove contaminants such as oil and restore soil health. The team will advance to the state competition at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg on May 8.

Second place went to another Beaty-Warren team, “Emission Mission,” made up of Lillian Wellner, Nina Woldt, Carly Olsen and Delaney Moore. Their design featured a smokestack filtration system that converts harmful emissions into water and generates electricity through a turbine process. Judges noted the team’s strong collaboration and technical creativity.

The Most Creative Concept award in the middle school division went to Eisenhower’s “ME” team, consisting of Amolia Jackson and Elizabeth Waite. Their project, the “De’Pollutionizer,” captures and purifies gases such as methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, creating a system that both cleans air and produces reusable materials.

The team advisors praised the students for their dedication, teamwork and growth throughout the competition. Many teams spent months developing their ideas, overcoming challenges and refining their designs.

With one team advancing to the state level, the students will continue to demonstrate their innovation and commitment to solving real-world environmental issues when they compete in Harrisburg this May.