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"Smart City @ Shortwood" - A net-zero STEM Innovation Learning Centre
BACKGROUND:
Today, the global economy is driven by the rapid advancement in science and technology. As we make new discoveries, we are directed to create a sustainable framework to allow future generations to manage the reversible and irreversible deterioration that has already occurred on our planet
Science transcends beyond our planet. Unearthing new discoveries helps us to better understand our environment and the universe at large. It is now imperative that a student's foundation must be built on sound physics principles and mathematical calculations, in order to drive innovation and the development of various technologies. Practical experiential learning and continuous development will provide our students with the resources and ability to hone key skills that will engender sustainable productivity. In this regard, establishing STEM Centres of Excellence will encourage a culture of learning and innovation in the education system and enhance the productive capacity of a country labour force, thereby supporting consistent and sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
DESCRIPTION:
The Rotary Club of Manor Park proposes to establish a net-zero STEM Innovation Centre at the Shortwood Primary and Practicing School in St. Andrew, Jamaica. The Centre is intended to give young students at an early age, the chance to have hands-on experiences with their environment and infrastructure as well as include innovation and digital literacy. The Centre will support and enhance primary schools' science and mathematics curricula nationally and regionally. The Centre, being located alongside one of the nation's best teachers' colleges (Shortwood Teachers' College), will also expose teachers-in-training to STEM, so that they can utilize this in the delivery of their curricula to primary and secondary students throughout Jamaica. In developing the Centre, consideration will be given to building orientation, construction material selection and a modular design to achieve net-zero. Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) will be a critical part of the Centre's development and tertiary level students will be given the opportunity to be a part of the building design team. The Centre's construction shall be cost effective, structurally stable, energy efficient and time efficient in construction.
It is being proposed that the Centre will have industry partners such as the local utilities, construction companies and EmPowered Caribbean Communities (EmPCC). These entities have science, technology, engineering and mathematics embedded in their business model. This will help to build a solid foundation for our students as they gain knowledge from the proposed partners' experiences.
The proposed building area will be approximately 200 square meters (see appendix A). To the entrance of the building there will be an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The Centre will consist of a smart city, rain water harvesting and water treatment Laboratory, a System Controls Laboratory (this will control all energy flow of the Centre), energy laboratory, a virtual meeting/conference room and the Caribbean Energy Solutions Research Institute (CESRI) Research Centre. The building surroundings will have a green area cultivated and managed by students and will include a plant nursery.
OBJECTIVE:
The net-zero energy STEM Innovation Centre will focus on the students' introduction to science, technology, engineering and mathematics and their development in these areas. The students' involvement will begin from the inception of the Centre's development. The main objective of the Centre is to deploy the STEM approach and technology to empower the youth (especially those from marginalized communities). Additionally, it will create an environment for students that will stimulate their curiosity and intellect to continuously explore the STEM areas, give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they desire and ultimately to create and develop new ideas and technologies for the benefit of future generations.
SCOPE OF WORKS:
In order to realize the objectives, the project has the FOUR main Components described below, as well as project management and coordination.
Component 1: Design and Construction of the STEM Building.
Component 2: Design and Installation of Renewable Energy Technology (RET) systems.
Component 3: Installation of STEM Lab equipment.
Component 4: Teachers, Students and Parents Training.
SUSTAINABILITY:
The project will be managed by the Caribbean Energy Solutions Research Institute (CESRI) operating under EmPowered Caribbean Communities (EmPCC), a company duly registered in Jamaica. Additionally, CESRI will provide information that will assist the Rotary Club of Manor Park in its advocacy role, future developmental projects, the teachers and students at all levels, and contractors in maintaining the system over the project life.
Description Total ($US) Proposed Donor
Six Containers, Wiring, Plumbing & Fixtures $40,000 Rotary Club of Manor Park
RET & Charging System plus software $15,000 Local Partners
STEM Lab Equipment $25,000 Local Partners
Communication and Computers $35,000 Local Partners
Professional and Project Management fees $20,000 Rotary Club of Manor Park
Contingency $15,000 Rotary Club of Manor Park
TOTAL $150,000
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