A new monitoring device to enhance workplace safety has been developed by Gold Coast high school students.
The “Canary” system, created by students at Assisi Catholic College Upper Coomera, took out the Secondary award at Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) STEM Make a Difference (MAD) Showcase this week.
Year 11 student Joshua said his team’s invention could revolutionise workplace safety.
“Our invention provides comprehensive health monitoring and environmental monitoring in one wearable device, with the aim to keep workers safe while on site,” he said.
“From construction workers to emergency services, every industry can benefit.”
Joshua said the wearable device monitored 15 different metrics including heart rate and air quality, which was sent in real-time to the employer.
“I think we won the Secondary STEM award because we worked as a team to invent something innovative, that can help real-world people and could save lives.”
BCE Deputy Executive Director Durm O’Riordan said nearly 100 students from almost 50 schools across South-East Queensland competed in this year’s Showcase.
“Every year, BCE challenges students to seek real-world solutions for some of the Earth’s largest issues while also developing an understanding of local and global challenges,” Mr O’Riordan said.
He said this year projects were developed which prevented beach erosion, helped weatherproof Queensland homes and aided families to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
“This year’s competition is the largest BCE has held so far, highlighting an even greater commitment to innovation and excellence.
“(The students’) creativity and problem-solving skills are not only impressive but also particularly timely and relevant, reflecting their ability to tackle pressing issues with impactful solutions.”
Mr O’Riordan said the students’ inventions would not only impact the “real world”, but also showcased the ingenuity and creativity of BCE students in STEM.
“I know this competition will inspire many of our students to pursue STEM careers and continue making a difference in our world.”
Winning projects this year included:
- Primary STEM: Guide Guru, St Thomas’ School Camp Hill.
- Secondary STEM: Canary, Assisi Catholic College Upper Coomera.
- Future is STEM Award: Dcnstruct, Siena Catholic College Sippy Downs.
- People’s Choice Award(s): Micro Earth, St Ita’s Regional Primary School Dutton Park and The Crow Away, St Columba’s Primary School Wilston.
- Executive Director’s Award: C.E.M.S. Accessibility Parking, St Francis Xavier Runaway Bay.
Winners, runners up, and third place recipients will compete at the STEM MAD National event, hosted by BCE, in Brisbane in November.
