SCCSD class advances in Samsung’s $2 million National STEAM Contest
The Sioux City Community School District’s Career Academy AP Computer Science Principles class was recently named one of the nation’s 255 finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, a program that encourages students to solve real-world issues in their community using skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
As one of only five finalists chosen to represent the state of Iowa, the class also won a Samsung tablet for their classroom.
Led by educator Mary Hunt, the students’ project was chosen based on their proposal to use STEAM skills to address the problem of obesity in society. Their proposal included the launch of a mobile app entitled, “What’s for dinner? There’s an app for that!”
The app would help students and adults create healthy meals with items they find in their kitchen. The proposal not only encourages a healthy diet, but also saves users money by limiting spending on fast food and poor eating habits.
The class will now advance to the next round in the competition for the opportunity to win additional classroom technology prizes. The class is currently working on their Activity Plan, outlining how they will execute their proposed project.
The Activity Plan will be judged based on problem applicability, community involvement/impact, application of STEM studies, feasibility, and originality.
If the SCCSD AP Computer Science Principles class is named the Iowa State Winner in December, they will receive a $25,000 Samsung technology package. Top 10 finalists will continue to the final round of competition.
Additional information on the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest can be found at https://www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow/.