Human Powered Irrigation System design competition

GRLIC and Andes Sprouts Society announces a competition to design a human powered irrigation system to benefit the Roxbury Central School Garden. 

RoxbuThe goal of this design competition is to give the students a hands-on educational tool that when activated, includes a built in lesson on sustainable energy. Energy, both in storage and in action, is often times invisible.  The human powered irrigation system will serve as a tangible illustration of the students’  kinetic energy powering a working system that directly benefits the production of locally-grown food. 

The RCS garden, harvested its first crops in 2007, now includes 18 raised beds and approx 900 sq. ft. of tilled ground for direct planting. Students in the garden learn about ecological principles of energy, interdependency and human ingenuity while cultivating a sense of place.

The jury selected design will be awarded $1000 cash and materials honorarium for the fabrication and installation of the irrigation system.  Jurors will judge the designs based on the following criteria; use of recycled and/or environmentally friendly material, student involvement in fabrication, design innovation and creativity, demonstration of energy conversion principles and ability to inspire students curiosity and use.