Planet Hack 2024: STEM Hackathon to Tackle Global Issues

On 1-2 November, we brought back the highly anticipated Planet Hack for its third year!

Planet Hack is a bespoke collaborative STEM hackathon created between DCB and The Australian National University in 2022 with the hope to inspire students to address global issues. 

Over the course of this two-day hackathon, over 200 Senior School students of all skill levels had the chance to participate in hands-on workshops that not only enhanced their STEM and critical thinking skills but also empowered them to develop solutions to problems our planet is facing.

Students from 10 schools across the EiM family of schools worked in small groups and had the opportunity to engage with both ANU academics and other experts, building valuable teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills. This year, Professor Sarah Clement, a world-renowned expert on Biophilia from ANU, tasked students to apply biophilic design principles to solve sustainability issues in traditional neighbourhoods while preserving cultural heritage. 

Events like Planet Hack provide our students with the opportunity to apply their STEM knowledge in real-world contexts, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By collaborating with peers and engaging with industry experts, students not only develop deep empathy for pressing global issues, but also gain a deeper understanding of how skills across the STEM areas can be used to address global challenges. 

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of Planet Hack 2024. A special thank you to our mentors, partners, and the Australian National University (ANU), particularly Professor Sarah Clement, for their guidance and support. Your expertise played a crucial role in making this event possible. Thank you to all our participating students, teachers, and volunteers for their enthusiasm, collaboration, and hard work. 

Photos by: Kelvin W

Video by: Portia L