Project Ideas

The possibilities are endless. Imagine the following examples:

Local History

Participants interview and record the stories of elderly community members, asking about their experiences living through historic events, or describing this community when they were children. Participants research history to understand context. They might produce a documentary, or write a newsletter featuring different interviewees. Or maybe they approach library staff and arrange to display an exhibit of their work. Maybe they enter this project in a competition with an outside organization and give a presentation.

Entrepreneurship or Community Service

Participants develop a business plan to raise money to use towards their entrance fees for a competition for yet another project. Participants might set up a lemonade stand or bake sale, track expenses, advertise, determine pricing, execute and collect profits. They could then use the profits toward the next planned project that requires materials or entrance fee(s) to compete against other teams.

Nature and Woodworking

Research and conduct interviews to create a local field guide to native plants, birds, insects, reptiles or mammals. Build birdhouses, bat houses or owl boxes for a local park, or plant trees or wildflowers. Participants could build and install informational plaques by these areas explaining their significance and importance.

Other Ideas

These are just ideas to explore. Use them, alter them or do something completely different!

Participate in a regional, state or national group competition for creators or innovators (see competitions list).	Develop a website and social media pages for Appalachia Learning Lab.
Enter a robotics competition.	Restore or clean up a local stream, trail, or natural area.
Design and install native pollinator gardens or plant wildflowers.	Create educational nature trails with interpretive signage.
Design and build a greenhouse, community garden or composting setup.	Research local recycling practices and identify opportunities to improve effectiveness.
Build useful products from reclaimed or recycled materials.	Investigate a local community issue and present recommendations to local leaders.
Interview city and county leaders about plans and progress with Patton Park pool.	Build environmental monitoring systems using sensors and microcontrollers.
Construct raised garden beds for schools, seniors, or community gardens.	Conduct local research in partnership with a university or research organization.
Produce and desseminate a newsletter about local events relevant to kids.	Write and perform an original play.
Create public art inspired by local history or nature.	Design an educational exhibit for a library or park.
Build Little Free Libraries.	Organize supply drives for community organizations.
Help with a Helene-damaged area or ongoing need.	Put on a concert, talent show or fair at a retirement home.
Raise money to cover costs of projects done through Appalachia Learning Lab.