Announcing the 2022 Tennessee Computer Science K-12 Mini-Design Challenge Winners

NASHVILLE: The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, a public/private partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education and Battelle Education, announced the winners of the 2022 TN Computer Science K-12 Mini-Design Challenge – a free problem-based learning competition open to all Tennessee students. This year, 52 educators representing approximately 4000 students across Tennessee signed up for a Digital Welcome Packet for the inaugural TN Computer Science K-12 Mini-Design Challenge. 

 “Authentic design challenge tasks provide students with the opportunity to grow their critical thinking skills while using what they've learned from different disciplines. The network's computer science focused design challenge takes this a step further by incorporating computational thinking - which includes problem solving, creativity, abstraction, and programming,” states Becky Ashe, Director of Professional Learning and Innovation with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. “Computer science has transformed the way we live, work, learn, play and communicate, and it's of utmost importance that we help Tennessee students build the skills they need to shape the technology that’s changing the world!”

This mini design challenge was designed to give both students and teachers an opportunity to see how computer science impacts their lives and to consider how they might use it to improve their communities and help others. 

This year’s challenge asked K-12 students to consider how Computer Science can help us develop healthier lives or promote better well-being for all. In this abbreviated challenge, students were asked to identify a problem and develop a plan, product, or system to demonstrate the benefits of using computer science in solving the problem. Students were encouraged to consider problems of all levels from the personal to those of their community, the state of Tennessee, the country, or a global issue. Students competed in local competitions before the finalists entered a statewide competition.

Our finalists presented ideas that show a passion for making the world a better place and their designs demonstrated tremendous empathy for others. Finalists presented to Tennessee educators and industry leaders at the Computer Science Momentum Expedition on December 5, 2022. Our premier one-day event ended with all finalists recognized on the main stage before announcing and awarding all winners. Please review all our finalists below and join us in celebrating their accomplishments. The winners and their teachers, listed separately below, were each awarded an iPad to continue their Computer Science endeavors. We know that all students involved in the Mini-Design Challenge expanded not only their knowledge of Computer Science but their problem-solving skills. We look forward to the opportunities future Computer Science Design Challenges will offer all Tennessee students as Computer Science education expands.