The Overseas School of Colombo Students participate in Slingshot Challenge

Three students from The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) joined the Slingshot Challenge, a global initiative that aims to inspire youth, ages 13 to 18, to tackle the planet’s environmental issues.

Supported by the National Geographic Society and the Allen Family Philanthropies, the challenge engages and supports the next generation of stewards for the planet. To participate in the challenge, students created a one-minute video outlining an innovative solution to an environmental issue they’re passionate about.

The underlying idea of the project: “Sri Lanka’s Acidification Exposed” was based on investigating Sri Lanka’s surrounding ocean using cutting edge technology, where scientists describe ocean acidification in Sri Lanka as an understudied concern.

“Through research and inquiry, we explored how rising carbon dioxide levels impact marine ecosystems and coastal communities” said Alessandro Nereo Francovigh.

“Our motivation for participating was a passion for science to create a positive change within the community we live in,” said Vasilissa Munasighe.

“The inspiration came from the ocean acidification lab experiment we did in 10 grades; we decided to explore the issue in depth and take action. Thanks to the science department's support we were able to turn an idea into a reality” said Haocheng Tang.

“We are very fortunate to have a meticulous and well-rounded science programme at OSC. By participating in the Slingshot Challenge students get to combine science, creativity and conservation to address a real environmental challenge affecting locally to restore our ocean. As students conduct their own research to find solutions, they become scientists themselves" said Hiruni Senarath Dassanayake, project mentor and Science Lab Technician at The Overseas School of Colombo.

After receiving solution ideas from across the globe, the National Geographic Society is now reviewing all Slingshot Challenge submissions and a panel of experts will select a small number to receive funding of $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 to further their journey.

Last year, the Slingshot Challenge reached a global audience with submissions from 96 countries, with nearly 4 million engagements on social media, and approximately 16,000 youth and 5,000 educators who signed up for the challenge.