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Off the Grid MS

Off the Grid MS

# Description


In response to the annual theme, participants conduct research on a sustainable architectural design for a home in a specified country. They then produce a portfolio and create a display and a model. Semifinalists present their design and participate in an interview.


# Theme


Design Brief:  Water Collection in Kenya

Family Overview: Maya and her family live in a rural village in Kenya. The family consists of Maya (the mother), her husband, and three children. They live in a small, single-story dwelling home made from mud bricks, with a thatched roof. The house has two bedrooms, a living room, and a small kitchen. The family has limited access to running water, and the only available water source is a small, seasonal river a 30-minute walk away. During the dry season, this river often dries up, and Maya must buy water from a nearby vendor; this can be expensive and unreliable.

Challenge: Maya’s family needs a sustainable off-grid solution to collect and store water. The current system involves carrying water from the river during the rainy season and relying on expensive water deliveries during the dry season. Your task is to optimize the family’s water collection and storage system, using natural resources like rainwater and local materials. 

Requirements:

  • The system must provide enough clean water for the family’s daily needs, including drinking, cooking, and bathing.

  • The system should make use of rainwater harvesting to reduce reliance on external water sources.

  • The water storage system must be designed to handle both the rainy season and the dry season.

  • The system should include a basic filtration solution to ensure the water is safe for drinking.

  • The design must be cost-effective and use local materials when possible. 

Budget: Your team has a budget of $1,500 to develop and implement the water collection and storage system. This budget must cover materials for rainwater collection, filtration, storage tanks, and installation.


Careers Associated
  • Appraiser

  • Architect

  • Construction Manager

  • Interior Designer

  • Urban and Regional Planner


# Oklahoma Eligibility


Three (3) teams per chapter may participate; a team of one (1) is permitted.


# Coordinators


The individuals listed below are familiar with the event and available to give guidance. Please email them if you have questions regarding this event.


Michelle Evans

evansmi1@tulsaschools.org

Event Coordinator


Melissa Stebbins

mstebbins@commercetigers.net

Event Manager

OKTSA

TSA is a national, non-profit organization of high school and middle school student members who are engaged in STEM. Since TSA was chartered in 1978, over 5,000,000 members have participated through competitions, intracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and community service.

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