From Idea to Product: The Meta 9 Sustainability Projects

30 August 2022Ella B, Allard ‘25

After two months of careful planning, hard work, and dedication, the Grade 9 Metamorphosis class was able to launch its third-ever Sustainable Designs Project Showcase in early June.

Since the beginning of third term, we 9s have enjoyed learning about how others have created positive change in their communities (and in some cases the planet) through sustainable projects and initiatives. Though some struggled at first, they were able to empathize, brainstorm, research, design, create and refine their own ideas by following the effective design process.

Each student was encouraged to reflect on their passions, hobbies and interests and how they might relate to climate problems in today’s world. With some help from Brentwood’s outstanding Meta team (we’re going to miss you when you’re retired Mr Griffiths) we created original blueprints – and a couple of prototypes – of sustainable products that could be implemented to lessen the effects of climate change. Though they had guidance from the Meta team, much of the initiative was taken by the students when organizing and brainstorming ways to ameliorate the negative effects their product ideas and optimize the solutions provided.

When the results of their creativity and grit came to fruition, the students had designed everything from sustainable buildings, homes, playgrounds, power plants and factories, to hand-sewn clothes, extra efficient gardens, and even a rechargeable shoe battery.

The grade nine sustainability project forced young Brentonians to utilize everything they’d learned about their community, sustainability and the design process over the past year.

There were, of course, challenges. There were, even, tears, but when presentation day came, these gritty students were able to successfully showcase some genuinely great products. “It [was] really impressive to see how passionate and detailed you guys were about your projects!” observed Hazel L, Allard ‘23 about the Grade 9 Sustainability Fair.

Ella B, Allard ‘25

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