Wilson Intermediate students Olivia Roseberry and Layla Rock were awarded $100 from the Time For Change Youth Challenge sponsored by First Book and Ashoka. Their STEM project, Green Clean, was one of nine Early Entrant winners and the only sixth grade winner. As part of the prize, the school was awarded $100 in free books.
As Early Entrants, they received valuable suggestions for improving their project before the final deadline in January. The pair are also awaiting the results of two other STEM competitions they entered. For each competition, the girls were allowed to work as a team but had to enter as individuals. They graciously decided to share any prizes they receive.
Green Clean is a container to collect tangled monofilament line to keep it off the ground and away from harming people and wildlife. Oliva has firsthand experience with the problem since she’s had a fishing hook that was thrown on the ground stuck in her foot. Layla and Olivia plan to make the containers from entirely recycled materials including leftover PVC pipe from local plumbers. As part of their research, they have met with representatives from Arkansas Game and Fish to improve their design and discuss ways to place Green Clean containers in state parks and popular fishing areas around the state.