From the Interns: My Experience Attending the Brooklyn Public Library x National Grid: Energy in Engineering Design Competition

Last weekend, I, among several other students, attended the final day celebration of the BPL X National Grid: Energy in Engineering Design Competition. Located in the Info Commons Lab at the Central Library, the event started at 1:00PM, though the competitors had been there since early morning hours, and all attendees were given an exclusive event T-shirt and food. We heard from 24 teen interns, all of whom worked in one of three incredible programs: game design, animation, and digital campaigning. Each idea was a product of incredible team work and effort, and even as a spectator, I could feel the supportive energy amongst the competitors, who clearly had a passion for advocating for clean energy, sustainable developments, and greater environmental education. 

            All projects in the three categories demonstrated immense creativity and innovation, yet the category that stood out to me the most was game design. One of the first groups developed a game for young elementary school students, with the goal of educating them on ways to conserve and save energy in the house. Complemented with friendly background music, the game featured a cartoon character, which the player could control using simple arrow keys, who had to complete tasks before leaving the room. Such tasks included turning off the fan, turning off the sink, and turning off the lights. Other groups included similar elements and other engaging story lines. For instance, in the award-winning game, the main character navigated through different pathways—which were either easy, medium, or difficult—using arrow keys. In the case that the player placed the character in restricted areas, they had to restart. Most notably, every time the player completed a task, they were met with a notification that featured a fun fact about energy conservation or tips on how to save energy. Combining both educational and engaging elements, these groups were able to amaze and inspire the audience.

            Walking away from this event, I felt more aware of the environmental issues of our world: climate change, endangered species, etc. Yet with this increase in awareness came a sense of hope for our current generation. In such a limited timeframe, teenagers my age were able to codevelop incredible resources, and I can only imagine what more the room, as a collective, could accomplish together. I am so grateful for being able to attend this celebration, and I highly recommend more BKLYN teens participate in the future.