Statewide Design Challenge
Empowering students to be problem solvers.
Problem Based Learning
Student Driven
Multi-disciplinary
2026 Student Design Challenge
Protecting, Restoring, and Promoting Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems
What is a Design Challenge?
A Design Challenge empowers students to integrate prior knowledge, new discoveries, and the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to design, test, and improve a solution. Resources to learn about the EDP can be found here.
2026 Student Design Challenge
Our overarching topic is Land Conservation. In 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a dedicated and stand-alone goal on health, SDG 15, focuses on "protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems".
We are thrilled to announce that year’s Statewide Design Challenge partner is none other than the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA)! Find their commitment letter HERE.
“The mission of the TWRA is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state and their habitats for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the citizens of Tennessee and its visitors.”
This year’s challenge invites students to consider how we can develop innovative, sustainable solutions that protect, restore, enhance, as well as maintain terrestrial ecosystems in Tennessee. Students have choice about how they approach the topic.
For the challenge, students are encouraged to:
- Identify the problem
- Define the target audience who will benefit from the solution
- Prototype your solution in the most appropriate media for your project
- Discuss how the solution solves the problem for the target audience
- Identify careers that are related to implementing the solution
Things to Note
Schools participating will host in-class presentations and select exceptional projects for entry into competition in Spring 2026. To ensure safety and equal opportunity, all contestants will have the option to compete virtually. Every student, regardless of their location within the state, should have the chance to benefit from this opportunity.
When you sign up for the Design Challenge, you'll get valuable resources to inspire and guide your students. This package includes detailed instructions, useful resources, and engaging videos to assist in implementing the challenge at your school.
Additional Resources
United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Webinar Series: All sessions will be recorded and made available for future viewing. Dates and links will be loaded here!
FAQs
Do you have questions? We have answers.
