Eden Prairie High School named finalist in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition

Eden Prairie High School is one of five high schools across the state named as a state finalist in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. Each state finalist will receive a $2,500 technology prize pack for their school.

According to a press release, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national competition that empowers students in grades 6-12 to use STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to develop innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their communities. The 300 state finalists were chosen from thousands of applications across all 50 states.

This year’s entries reflect common student concerns nationwide, with 33% of projects focused on the climate crisis. Topics include extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires; sustainable building materials; and alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar power, and kinetic energy. Mental health and wellness – particularly addressing the impacts of social media and stress – and school safety are also prominent themes. Additionally, 60% of the projects incorporate emerging technologies such as AI, 3D printing, and robotics.

For the next phase of the competition, teachers must create a detailed activity plan. The plan must define the community problem, propose a STEM-based solution, specify objectives, outline activities to achieve those goals, and describe the anticipated positive impact on the community. Activity plans are due in early January 2025. Judges will then select 50 state winners, to be announced in March 2025.

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Other Minnesota schools named state finalists this year are Byron Middle School, Edgerton Elementary School in Maplewood, Lynd Public School, and Mounds View High School in Arden Hills.