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BRAINSTORMED STEAM IMPACT IDEAS
During the initial stages of the project, I explored several impactful ideas that could serve my community and beyond. The goal was to address real-world challenges through a STEAM-based solution that is scalable, relevant, and transformative. Here are the concepts considered:
- WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
A low-cost, locally built water filtration system to help communities access clean drinking water using sand, charcoal, and ceramic filters. This would incorporate environmental science, engineering design, and sustainability education.
SWAHILI SIGN LANGUAGE APP
SWAHILI SIGN LANGUAGE APP
A mobile application designed to teach Swahili-based sign language for children and adults in East Africa. This idea stemmed from a personal connection with a deaf friend and my passion for inclusivity.
CARBON FOOTPRINT TRACKING APP (CHOSEN)
CARBON FOOTPRINT TRACKING APP (CHOSEN)
An educational carbon footprint calculator designed for international schools in Africa. The app would allow institutions to monitor their carbon emissions from electricity, LPG, food (canteen), and transport. This idea aligned with school-wide sustainability goals and personal curiosity about environmental science.
Research: Understanding the Concepts and if they are applicable
As I explored each project concept, I quickly realized that the best STEAM solutions are not only meaningful but feasible they align with available tools, mentor support, and school community needs.
Water Filtration System –Already Ongoing at School
Water Filtration System –Already Ongoing at School
Initially, I considered building a water filtration system to address clean water access. However, through conversations with our science department and student-led environmental club, I discovered:
Our school is already partnering with a local community to pilot moringa filter systems for surrounding communities.
Ongoing workshops and experiments are taking place in designs labs under a teacher-led initiative.
Swahili/Kenyan Sign Language App – Limited Resources, High Passion
Swahili/Kenyan Sign Language App – Limited Resources, High Passion
This idea stemmed from a deep personal motivation. I explored it thoroughly by:
Researching 5+ global apps (ASL, Libras, etc.)
Testing platforms like Spread the Sign and HandTalk for inspiration
Assessing the need for a KSL-based mobile app
Our school has no specialist KSL teacher, and there are very few open-source KSL videos or AI datasets to build on. Developing this would require external partnerships with Kenyan Deaf organizations and deep linguistic accuracy, which I hope to pursue in future phases of my innovation journey.
Reflection:
This was an important realization, rather than duplicating efforts, I needed to contribute something original. It taught me that great ideas must be timely and needed, not just inventive.
Reflection:
This idea holds potential, but not within the current school term’s timeline. I realized I must build skills first, like coding, research collection, and interface design, before I can responsibly develop a language education tool.
Carbon Footprint Calculator – Feasible, Valuable, Transformative
Carbon Footprint Calculator – Feasible, Valuable, Transformative
This idea was born from a school-wide curiosity:
“How much carbon are we emitting as a school?”
After ideating and comparing options, I realized that the Carbon Calculator was the most promising solution because:
Tool Availability: Excel, Google Sheets, and even AppSheet can be used for prototype creation without advanced programming.
Teacher Support: Two teachers, one from Environmental Science and one from Computer Science and Design, were available to mentor me. Though not specialists, they are excited to guide the data collection and digital solution design process.
School Relevance: My project could help the school track and reduce carbon emissions across categories such as:
• Canteen meals (food miles & meat consumption)
• Electricity usage
• LPG consumption
• Student/staff transport
Reflection:
Rather than dreaming big without structure, I chose to start small with a big vision. By focusing on the carbon calculator, I can:
Build research, data analysis, and design skills
Create a working prototype within my school’s real environment
Set a strong foundation to later develop a web or mobile app that other international schools in Africa can use
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