The Kids' Design Challenge is run by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Technology in Primary Schools Network.

It provides a unique opportunity for students to participate in real life design tasks, which are important to their community.

Students work together in teams to research a current problem or issue and design solutions to these problems.

They can also get feedback about their designs from experts in the field and the judging panel who assess their work.

A celebration event is held at the end of the challenge where students receive certificates and recognition.

By entering the challenge, students develop initiative, creativity, innovation and skills in decision making and time management.

Sydney Water sponsors two challenges focusing on the efficient use of water:

1. Stage 2 Sydney Water Built Environment Challenge

This challenge wants students to examine their local built environment and propose changes to improve it.

The challenge involves exploring water use in schools or in the local area and identifying an aspect that needs to be modified, improved or re-designed to reduce the use of drinking water.

Design proposals include information about the chosen water use issue, the suggested changes, and diagrams, plans and images of what the solution would look like.

In 2008, 26 schools, 52 classes and over 1,200 students were involved in the challenge in a range of projects.

In 2009, the challenge has grown to include 36 schools and 65 classes.

Find out more about the Sydney Water Challenge including how you                                     can register your class in the challenge.

2. Stage 4 KDC Sydney Water Challenge

This challenge is open to students/classes in Years 7 and 8 who are completing the Technology (mandatory) course. Students are encouraged to work together to design or re-design a system to improve the harvesting and use of stormwater or rainwater to offset the use of drinking water.

By taking part in the challenge, students will:

• develop an understanding of different categories of water systems, drinking water, rainwater, recycled water, grey water, wastewater and stormwater
• be encouraged to value water and to use it more efficiently
• develop understanding of their ecological (water) footprint
• meet requirements of the Technology (mandatory) Years 7 and 8 syllabus.

Development proposals may include:

• a more efficient means to collect rainwater or stormwater including runoff from hard surfaces
• a more effective means to store rainwater or stormwater
• a system that substitutes the use of rainwater or stormwater for drinking water for non-drinking purposes
• a system that uses stormwater to grow or produce something in a more sustainable way
• the use of rainwater or stormwater to improve the quality of our natural and built environment
• a system to improve the quality of stormwater so that it has a wider range of uses eg a gross pollutant trap, a school frog pond or water feature.

Find out more about the Stage 4 KDC Sydney Water Challenge.

To know more about the KDC Sydney Water Challenge and how your school can participate, contact the Community Education Team at Sydney Water on 1800 724 650 or email education@sydneywater.com.au.

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