BLAST Project Ideas

We are excited to have you participate in our Third Annual BLAST Competition. If you already have an idea for a project, great! You don't need to do anything on this list. But, if you’re struggling with where to get started, below are a few ideas and resources. We are always happy to answer any questions or help if you’re still stuck.

Please remember that the goal of a BLAST Competition project is to create something that can actually be implemented to solve an environmental or climate problem. If your project has a positive impact in the community, innovates a new climate solution, or raises awareness, you're on the right track for a winning BLAST project!

Prompts/Questions that can help you think through a project idea:

Does this project educate or help others?
How will this project make an impact in the community?
What is my plan for implementation?
How will this project continue or endure (if applicable)?

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Individual projects group picture - DSC_4974.JPG

Get Inspired by Past BLAST Projects!

Past BLAST Competition participants have used science, engineering, business, policy, gardening, communication, and art skills for their projects. Feel free to build on their ideas. We can even try to connect you to the person/people who created a previous project for potential collaboration.

BLAST 2024

BLAST 2025

Sustainable Alternatives for Modern Lawn Grass presenting- IMG_7156.jpg

Science/Engineering

The number of engineering projects that can be done for a BLAST project are limitless. Below are a few ideas to get you thinking. Your proposal should include not just the engineering project, but how you are going to implement it in the community.

Solar/Sand battery

Pop can solar heater

Hydroelectric generator

Bicycle generator

Education

Climate communication research confirms that many people of all ages do not know enough about climate change and environmental protection to take action. Your education project could amplify your influence, creating broader change in the community. For your BLAST project, you'll need to both create the educational programming and make a plan for presenting it. For example, if you are creating a website, how will people find out about it? Or if you make a presentation, how will you get an audience? Or how will you get followers on social media for educational videos? Here are just a few ideas for topics for which you can create educational programming.

Environmental impacts of artificial intelligence

Environmental Injustices

Gas → electric cooking for cleaner indoor air

SolarPunk: Envisioning the Future in a Green & Realistic Way

Environmental hope/positivity

Waste Reduction

Through upcycling, thrifting, art, and education, your project could reduce the amount of waste that goes to the landfill. Your BLAST project should include a plan to teach others or to sell or share your creations.

Upcycling/pop-up thrift shop

NCC Move-Out Donations/NCC Spring Cleaning

Environmental and Climate Policy

A former BLAST winner, Grace, helped write and pass the Illinois law that requires climate change education in public schools. You too could write a state or municipal law or change policy in your school district. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking.

Accelerate adoption of solar through legislation: Permitting balcony solar

Advocate for a Climate Action Plan for your city or school district

Work with a state official to pass Superfund for Climate Change legislation

Organize a rally or petition, like Power a Better Future

Nature-Based Solutions

Former BLAST participant, Sabrina, created a tiny forest at her school. You can also support nature by restoring an ecosystem, conducting ecological research, planting a garden, and more!

Plant a native school garden

Plant an edible school garden

Conduct a bioblitz

Organize a group to help restore a natural area, for example, with DuPage Forest Preserve

Conduct a community science project on climate change

Do an insect population survey

Apply Today

Not quite ready to apply, but have questions or just want to be put on the mailing list?

Ready to apply? Make sure you have the contact information for your whole team.