Challenged to create an age-friendly city set at least 100 years in the future, Ellis’ team designed Idunn Eirr, a  fictional city based on Oslo, Norway. The new-age city features multigenerational complexes that house people of all ages to reduce social isolation in senior citizens, sustainable components like geothermal grids and solar power, and futuristic transportation like a hyperloop.

At the upcoming competition, each team will showcase their city via five components: a virtual city using SimCity software, a 1,500-word essay, a project plan, a seven minute presentation (and 10 minutes of judges' questioning), and a scale model of their city. Engineering mentor John Wojtyna from GAI Consultants, who joined the Ellis team as a mentor this year, was impressed by the team’s showing at the regional competition. He shared, “the completeness and balance of all elements in the model along with the scaling accuracy really stood out to the judges. The presentation was highly creative and well-rehearsed, and the presenters showed absolute focus and poise.”

Middle School Science Teacher and team sponsor Karen Compton agreed and lauded the team’s hard work and dedication to the project since the first week of school. “The team spent countless hours, including after school, weekends and winter break, preparing for the competition,” said Mrs. Compton. “They showed their resilience as they constantly brainstormed, tried new things, and problem-solved along the way. They truly did an outstanding job!”

The entire Ellis team, comprised of grade 7 and 8 students, will travel to Washington D.C. alongside Mrs. Compton and Mr. Wojtyna for the national competition this weekend. Best of luck to the Ellis team!

Congratulations to:

Moira Connell, Class of 2022

Adah Brownlee, Class of 2023
Rowan Cain, Class of 2023
Ellie Caliguiri, Class of 2023
Abby Fägersten, Class of 2023
Sreethi Ramineni, Class of 2023
Amelia Reines, Class of 2023
Zoe Woon, Class of 2023