Entries are now open for Macmillan Education Caribbean’s new competition, the Young Caribbean Environmental Scientist of the Year Competition 2022-2023.

As Macmillan Education Caribbean drew their summer campaign, the ‘Summer of Science’ to a close and a new academic year begins, they plan to continue to promote the importance of science and the environment with their new competition. The competition aims to encourage young learners across the Caribbean to get involved in taking action against climate change and is open to students through from Years 1 to 11 in participating countries.

Students are asked to, as an individual or group, come up with a project in their community, school, or local area that takes action to combat climate change and its impacts, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Climate Action.

‘Climate Action’ is Goal 13 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Students might think of a solution for water, air, or noise pollution, reduce the problems caused by plastic, or come up with an innovative way to reduce the impacts of fast fashion. By taking part, students will be challenged and in turn will develop key skills including research and analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork, as they apply their thinking to a real-world issue that affects people all over the world.

The prizes to be awarded to the lucky winners of the competition include some of Macmillan Education Caribbean’s best-loved science textbooks, STEM Builders activity boxes, and a hands-on science session with scientists themselves for the winning class in both primary and secondary categories.

The competition will be judged by science experts Dr Claire Durant, Debbie Roberts, and Kavelle Hylton, with the winners and runners-up in both categories announced in Spring 2023.

Each of the judges brings their own wealth of knowledge and expertise in the science industry. Dr Claire Durant MRSC received her doctorate as a Commonwealth Scholar at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, and has teaching experience at the secondary and tertiary level in the Caribbean and abroad. Debbie Roberts is an experienced science educator, author, and teacher trainer at primary and secondary levels of science education with a specialism in STEAM methodology. Kavelle Hylton is a trained Science teacher, public speaker and science and technology coordinator, as well as founder and CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub Limited.

Debbie Roberts says:

“This competition is an opportunity for students to learn many enquiry-based learning skills that become life skills … This is a real and rare experience for students to engage with the scientific procedure to address a topical and real-world problem. Just like all Scientists from the past, the present and the future.”

To enter the competition, visit Macmillan Education Caribbean’s website for more information including instructions, eligibility, and helpful tips and support. Stay up to date with the competition on Macmillan Education Caribbean’s website and social media channels.

Participating countries only. Full details, further information and terms and conditions are available on the Macmillan Education Caribbean website. For more information please email caribbean@macmillaneducation.com.