Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths. This natural calamity is especially problematic during summer and hurricane seasons in Doral, Florida, where sediment obstruction and poor drainage systems lead to floods.

“Doral has a lot of precipitation. Many times, our drainage system fails, and the city floods,” said Alyssa Neuber, a 6th-grade participant of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. “We looked to create a system that will help prevent flooding.”

Searching for the solution

A group of students from Downtown Doral Charter Upper School gathered to find a solution. Divided into separate teams depending on their strengths, all of them craved for more information every step of their way to the solution. The students were provided abundant guidance from experts in the field, like the City of Doral’s Stormwater Department officials and engineers.

Making it real

Incorporating their STEM knowledge and art skills to the fullest, the students designed a device that detects sediment build-up in local drains and notifies which structures require immediate cleaning and maintenance. After a few trials, the students’ invention was introduced to the city. It was praised as a technology that can reduce maintenance costs city-wide.

For a safer city

“It’s a great idea that saves money, that makes it more efficient and effective,” said Juan Carlos Bermudez, the Mayor of Doral. “It’s an idea that makes the city safer.”

From the first step of identifying the neighborhood’s problem to creating a final product that can change the whole city for good, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has become a life lesson that drives the students forward. The experience with Samsung will inspire their innovative minds to make a difference in the society.