Bloomington, Indiana – A team of bright young minds from Bloomington High School South has earned national recognition, securing a coveted spot as one of 10 National Finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. Their groundbreaking project, Storm Shield, has set them apart from thousands of applicants across the country, showcasing their innovation, dedication, and commitment to solving real-world problems.
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition challenges students to create innovative solutions using Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to tackle pressing issues in their communities. Out of 50 State Winners, the Bloomington South team was selected as a National Finalist, earning a $50,000 prize package consisting of Samsung technology and classroom supplies.
A Game-Changing Invention
The student-led team designed Storm Shield, a lightweight and eco-friendly headband specifically developed to protect hearing aids during physical activity. The device shields hearing aids from wind, rain, and impact while incorporating a wireless motion sensor to detect potential dangers. By increasing accessibility for student athletes who rely on hearing aids, Storm Shield represents a significant step forward in inclusive sports technology.
Danielle Yang, a student-athlete and team member, drew from her personal experience when conceptualizing the project. “I often couldn’t wear my hearing aid [when competing in lacrosse and track] because it could be damaged by weather and sweat,” Yang explained in the team’s promotional video for Storm Shield. Her firsthand challenges inspired the team to engineer a practical and effective solution.
Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology
To develop Storm Shield, the students utilized advanced STEM techniques, including material science, programming, the Internet of Things, machine learning, and 3D printing. Their approach combines innovation and sustainability, ensuring that the product remains affordable while offering superior protection for hearing aid users.
As part of their research, the team sought guidance from industry experts, including retired WNBA player and Olympic Gold Medalist Tamika Catchings. Their efforts were also supported by dedicated mentors at Bloomington South, including science teacher Dr. Kirstin Milks and math and physics teacher Kara Parker.
“The Storm Shield team has leveraged problem-solving skills and the engineering design cycle – both of which we teach in our STEM classes – to build an incredible invention,” said Milks. “Technologies are ever-changing, but student-centered classrooms and project-based learning provide students with the experiences they need to not just navigate our future, but innovate.”
Competing on the National Stage
The team’s journey is far from over. On April 28, the students will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will compete for a chance to be named one of three National Winners. If successful, they will take home an additional $100,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies, further supporting STEM education at Bloomington High School South.
Additionally, the team has an opportunity to win the Community Choice Award, which comes with an extra $10,000 in prizes. The award will be decided through online voting, where the public can watch the National Finalists’ videos and cast their votes. Supporters can vote by visiting: https://www.opinionstage.com/page/22d3c60b-6790-44b2-8e09-9f72bf4dac80.
A Legacy of Excellence
Bloomington High School South is no stranger to success in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. In 2023, the school’s team won the top-tier $100,000 prize and the Sustainability Innovation Award for their groundbreaking Temp Mural. The mural, painted with highly reflective, climate-positive barium sulfate paint, was designed to minimize the impact of global warming. It remains a visible symbol of innovation, located on the garden shed at WonderLab along the B-Line trail.
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As they prepare to take their project to the national stage, the Bloomington South team has the community’s full support. Win or lose, their work has already made a significant impact, inspiring future generations of students to pursue STEM and use their skills to make a difference.
