Engineering Against Natural Disasters
STEM Project Contest – Competition Brief
1. Introduction
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, floods and landslides can have a major impact on people and communities. They can damage homes, schools, roads and essential services, and can make it difficult for communities to access food, water, electricity or medical support.
Engineers play an important role in helping communities prepare for, withstand and recover from these challenges. They design stronger buildings, safer infrastructure, flood protection, early-warning technologies and many other solutions that can reduce damage and protect lives.
This project challenges students to think like engineers and develop an innovative solution to a real-world natural disaster problem.
2. Competition Challenge
Imagine that you are an engineer. Choose ONE natural disaster and design an engineering solution that could help protect people, infrastructure or essential services from its effects.
Your solution should address a clearly defined problem faced by a specific community or group of people. You should explain how your solution works, why it could be useful, and whether it could realistically be implemented.
You may choose:
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic eruptions
- Typhoons
- Floods
- Landslides
- Extreme heat
- Drought or water shortages
- Another natural disaster, provided you clearly explain your choice
Your solution could be:
A building, structure, product, device, technology, transport system, energy system, communication system, water system, piece of infrastructure or another engineering concept.
3. Project Requirements
To ensure that all projects can be assessed fairly, every project should address the following areas:
- The problem Identify the natural disaster, explain the problem it creates, and describe where and when the problem may occur.
- The people or community Identify who is affected and who your solution is designed to help. Explain the specific needs of these people or the community.
- The engineering solution Describe what you have designed and explain how it addresses the problem. Explain what makes your idea innovative or different.
- How it works Explain the basic scientific, technological and engineering principles behind your solution. Students should demonstrate how their design would operate rather than simply describing what it looks like.
- Design and visualisation Use drawings, diagrams, digital designs, models, animations or a prototype to communicate the design clearly. A physical prototype is not required.
- Real-world feasibility Consider whether the solution could actually be built and used. Consider factors such as materials, cost, location, safety, maintenance, environmental impact and access to technology.
- Impact Explain how the solution could reduce damage, save lives, protect essential services or help communities recover more quickly. Students should also identify any limitations of their solution and possible future improvements.
4. Suggested Presentation Structure
Students may organise their presentation in their own way, but it should clearly cover the following:
- Introduction – identify the natural disaster and the problem.
- The Community – explain who is affected and who the solution is designed for.
- The Engineering Challenge – explain what needs to be solved.
- Your Solution – describe the proposed engineering design.
- How It Works – explain the relevant science, technology and engineering.
- Design – show drawings, diagrams, models, digital designs or prototypes.
- Feasibility – consider materials, cost, location, safety and practical implementation.
- Impact – explain how the solution would help people or communities.
- Limitations and Future Improvements – identify weaknesses and how the design could be developed further.
- Conclusion – summarise why the proposed solution is an effective response.
5. What We Are Looking For
The strongest projects will demonstrate:
- A clear understanding of the natural disaster and the problem being addressed.
- Evidence of engineering thinking and an explanation of how the proposed solution works.
- Creativity, originality and innovation.
- Practical thinking and consideration of real-world constraints.
- Consideration of the people and communities who would benefit.
- Clear, engaging and well-structured communication.
- Effective use of visual material to explain the design.
Students do not need advanced engineering knowledge. The competition is intended to encourage students to identify a real-world problem, think creatively and use engineering ideas to develop a possible solution.
6. Important Guidance
- Students may work individually or in teams of up to three members.
- The project should be the students’ own work. Teachers or other adults may provide guidance and support but should not produce the project for the students.
- Students should acknowledge information, images, data or other material taken from external sources.
- Students should consider copyright and intellectual property when using photographs, video, music, graphics or other third-party material.
- Students are not expected to build a fully working product. A clear and well-explained concept, supported by appropriate visual material, is sufficient.
- There is no single correct engineering solution. Judges will assess how effectively students understand the problem and apply engineering thinking to their proposed solution.
7. Example Areas for Inspiration
Students may develop their own ideas. The following examples are intended only to illustrate the range of possible engineering approaches:
- An earthquake-resistant house or school.
- A flood-protection system for homes or public buildings.
- A smart warning device for floods or landslides, or even volcanic eruptions.
- Stronger windows, roofs or structures for areas affected by typhoons.
- An emergency communication system that works when mobile networks fail.
- Drones or robots to support rescue teams after a disaster.
- A temporary shelter for people who have lost their homes.
- A system that provides clean water or electricity after a disaster.
- A cooling or shading system to protect communities during extreme heat.
- A low-cost engineering solution designed specifically for communities with limited resources.
8. Final Advice to Students
Think like an engineer: identify a real problem, understand the people affected, develop a solution, explain the science and engineering behind it, and consider whether it could work in the real world.
The judges are not looking for the most complicated idea. They are looking for a clear problem, thoughtful engineering, creativity and a convincing explanation of how the proposed solution could make a difference.
～ Wishing students all the best of luck from University of Birmingham! ～
