Pictured from left: Yvonne Flattum, Renaria Boysen, Blake Perreira, Ellie Russell, Ella Zemke, Audrey Cruz, Ryan Jose, Lori John and Etta Engstrom
In an imagined future where rising ocean levels have dramatically reduced habitable land, humanity faces the challenge of building self-sustaining communities. Such was the scenario and challenge laid out in this year’s Future City Competition, where students worked together to address pressing global issues.
Under the guidance of teacher Yvonne Flattum, teacher/volunteer Lori John and a mentor from the University of Washington, a team of ambitious students from Chief Umtuch Middle School took on the challenge of imagining and building a model of a floating city. Located in the Mozambique Channel–chosen for its tuna population–the Chief students’ fictional city was called Lamatra. The students worked after school from early September to mid-January to perfect their design using primarily recycled materials.
No detail was missed. Lamatra features a main island surrounded by six mini islands. The islands are spread out over 14.5 miles and anchored by sturdy chains into bio rock. Below the islands is infrastructure to protect citizens from storms, while imagined barriers around the perimeter offer a shield against waves.
The model also includes housing, a hospital, tourist attractions, hotels, government buildings, offices and shops. Lamatra citizens use floating cars and can grow crops such as rice. Nearby the island is a tuna spawning facility, a factory that can grow and transform algae into biodiesel and technology to desalinate ocean water for drinking and convert it into energy.
While heavy on science, technology, engineering and design, the competition also allows students to hone their collaboration, communication and teamwork skills. In addition to building their model, the team submit an essay and present their work to STEM professionals.
This is the third year that Chief Umtuch competed in Future City, and Chief’s team is one of just a handful from a public school. On Jan. 18, their dedication paid off. Out of 24 teams, the group from Chief placed in the top 10 for their model and presentation. Congratulations to these young innovators!
