Westerly Innovations
Babcock Middle School
Westerly, RI
Problem: More than 400 million pounds of computers, cell phones, handheld games and other devices are thrown away in the U.S. each year, leaving two million tons of E-waste.
Solution: Held an ‘E-Waste Drop-off Day’ where they collected 21,000 pounds of used computers and other E-waste, and provided refurbished computers for many residents who didn’t own one. They hope to implement a sustainable E-waste recycling center.
At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World , two of the finalist teams received gold medals and savings bonds for their winning entries. The competition is geared toward middle school-age children, and gives students experience in solving problems using the scientific process of exploring, analyzing and drawing conclusions.