Red Deer students headed to D.C. after earning second place in Exploravision science competition

Three girls from Red Deer’s Don Campbell Elementary who came up with a new idea for an innovative method of wildfire protection are headed to Washington, D.C. after being named second place national winners of the 33rd annual Exploravision competition.

The competition, presented by Toshiba and the American National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), celebrates the scientific ideas and innovations of North American youth.

It was in March when Sofia Taha, Kason Sonnenberg-Trent, and Charlie Pilgrim were named regional winners of the contest, securing each of them a new Chromebook.

Now, as one of eight national winners, they’ll get to visit the American capital June 13, and present their idea to the world-renowned Bill Nye, plus they each receive a $5,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond. First place winners get a savings bond worth $10,000.

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READ MORE: Red Deer Grade 3s regional winners in long-running ExploraVision science competition

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The trio of grade three students’ mycelium, hemp and fire-retardant microcapsule-involved creation is called BlazeBlock.

As rdnewsNOW reported, their inspiration was recent historically destructive wildfire activity in Jasper, Alberta, and in California.

“We are terribly excited. It has been a lot of work, but so well deserved. The girls have worked incredibly hard, over several months. The Don Campbell staff are very proud of the girls and we have piqued some of the students’ interest in the competition. The idea of the BlazeBlock really came to life when we were able to speak with Brianne from the Red Deer Polytechnic Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre (CIMTAC),” shares Melinda Powell, team coach, and Don Campbell Grade 3 teacher.

“We were able to share our ideas with her and show her the prototype. We also discussed the reality of using hempcrete for building and how it is being used today. Additionally, Brianne connected us with a company that specializes in hempcrete and sustainable building materials, and they’ve shown interest in meeting with the team. While we haven’t yet found time to visit their facility, we’re hoping to schedule a visit before we head to Washington, D,C.”

As for said trip to D.C., it’s fully covered by the competition

And the prototype will be coming with them, so they can show it to Mr. Nye.

“I’m always impressed with how attuned young minds are to the needs of our society,” added NSTA President Alicia Conerly, Ed.D. “Their projects demonstrate the remarkable understanding of the of the challenges of tomorrow and I was inspired to see such creative solutions. Our future is in good hands with these future scientists and innovators at the helm.”

2025 First-Place Winners

Grade K-3
Eye Understand: Glasses for People who use Sign Language
A.D. Henderson University School
Boca Raton, FL
Project Storyboard here

Grade 4-6
ElectroBuzz: Redefining Pollination for a Resilient and Sustainable Future
Willow Springs Elementary School
Fairfax, VA
Project Website here

Grades 7-9
Drone Ranger for Fighting Wildfires
Twin Grove Middle School
Buffalo Grove, IL
Project Website here

Grades 10-12
Seizor
Victoria Park Collegiate Institute
North York, Ontario
Project Website here

2025 Second-Place Winners

Grades K-3
BlazeBlock: The Hemp Revolution That Stops Fires Cold
Don Campbell Elementary School
Red Deer, Alberta
Project Poster here

Grades 4-6
Lost Then Found
Heritage School
Salem, OR
Project Website here

Grades 7-9
Biomimetic Surfaces
STEM School Highlands Ranch, Highlands Ranch, CO
Project Website here

Grades 10-12
Nano Artertract Plaque Seeker (NAPS)
Downtown Magnets High School
Los Angeles, CA
Project Website here