A STEAM Challenge that invites students to join the effort to tackle nitrogen pollution.
About the Challenge
As part of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP), the Long Island Water Quality Challenge promotes project-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in Long Island schools, encouraging enthusiasm for STEAM learning and an interest in STEAM-related careers.
The Long Island Water Quality Challenge is an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to play an important role in improving water quality on Long Island and reducing nitrogen pollution on school grounds. Stormwater runoff can transport nitrogen pollution and other contaminants directly into storm drains or waterbodies, without the opportunity for a water treatment facility or soil and plants to filter out excess nitrogen. Excess nitrogen in surface waters can cause eutrophication (excess algae growth or “bloom”). Toxic algal blooms lead to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, and degraded wetlands and marine habitats. Additionally nitrogen can impact our drinking water. If the groundwater that is stored in a system of aquifers under the surface of Long Island becomes polluted, it degrades our sole source of drinking water.
To participate in this challenge, student teams will create a green infrastructure project to reduce nitrogen pollution on school grounds. Green Infrastructure project examples include rain gardens and planter boxes, green roofs, permeable pavement, rainwater harvesting, and bioswales – student teams can build off an existing idea or create a completely new concept. Student teams will compete with the option of being awarded a grant up to $2,500 to be used for implementation or partial implementation of the winning project design.
Important Dates
November 13, 2023: Letters of Interest due
February 2, 2024: Final project proposals submitted
March 2024: Awardees announced
May/June 2024: Awards presented
Challenge requirements and how to submit a Letter of Interest:
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Important Links
LONG ISLAND NITROGEN ACTION PLAN INFORMATIONAL VIDEO