Solarpunk Island Innovation Project: Celebration Day

On the 21st May 2026 pupils, teachers and STEM Ambassadors came together at Glasgow Science Centre to celebrate the Solarpunk Island Innovation Project – the year-long targeted intervention project in Scotland. 

22 pupils from St Andrew’s RC Secondary in Glasgow and 2 teachers joined 5 STEM Ambassadors and staff from SSERC, Daydream Believers and Glasgow Science Centre. The aim of the project was to change young people’s perceptions of engineering and showcase engineering in a biological setting. During the celebration, pupils had the opportunity to present their Solarpunk Islands, which they have been working on for the last year, as well as showcase their STEM skills throughout a jammed-packed day. 

The island presentations were very impressive, with pupils able to share how they survived and thrived on the island and overcame challenges like unclean water, storm damage and sanitation. One team in particular shone through with an additional model of their water purification system, the invention of the poo zapper and intricate resource transportation systems.   

The pupils then watched the Superhumans Body show in the IMAX theatre, which emphasised many of the messages that we had be re-iterating over the year like how to overcome curveballs, using innovation and considering small scale engineering. This was the prefect introduction to their afternoon Superhuman challenge, where the pupils had 1 hour to invent a device to help one of their islanders who was struggling with a health issue. 

During the challenge, the pupils met the STEM Ambassadors and were able to ask for advice and support throughout. Some of the STEM Ambassadors had been involved in the project earlier in the year and were excited to see the pupils adapting to the new challenge. 

When it came to the presenting their challenge a different team shone through. This team really showed off their STEM skills, communicating well, listening to each other, creating a collaborative design, focus on the tasks and the patients needs and they even presented their design in an interesting way – acting it out!   

“It was a great experience and encouraging to see young people thrive - especially the quiet ones”

After a prize giving the pupils, teachers and STEM Ambassadors had the opportunity to explore some of the human body focused exhibits at the science centre – a fun way to round off a year long project! 

Once back in the school the pupils plan to show their work to others in the school and they will also receive a Young STEM Leader Level 3 Award for their hard work.