Jacks Big IDEA 2021: April 2-4
Jacks Big IDEA is back! This year will be a hybrid format with in-person teamwork in pods and hybrid components (workshops, visiting mentors, and more) built in throughout the event. Registration will open in February and applicants will be screened and accepted on a rolling basis; save the date and apply early!
CONGRATULATIONS SPRING 2020 PARTICIPANTS!
Jacks Big IDEA, Spring 2020 was part of the international Invent for the Planet out of Texas A&M. It was a 48-hour problem-solve-a-thon that took place Feb. 14-16 and allowed interdisciplinary student teams to take on a global problem and present a well-researched, well-argued potential solution. The top three NAU teams won money to continue their research and development.
FIRST PLACE: SKROOW Trash
Kaylee Vigil, Owen Murphy, Reilley Luedde, Olivia Lynn, Walker Richard and Stephen Pagano, looked at the hundreds of tons of microplastics that contaminate the ocean every year. It’s a problem because of the harmful effects on marine life, they said, but it affects humans too. People consume on average a credit card’s worth of plastic every week.
Klarissa Arreola, Gabriel Shepard, Maria Rodriguez, Zoë Soto and Madelyn Lohkamp suggested creating an app connected to a smart bracelet that would track people’s biometrics, particular body temperature—fever is a critical indicator of the presence of infectious disease—and help doctors treat patients more quickly but also alert global health officials about the possibility of an epidemic in a region.
Anthony Kiefer, Xulia Suero, Max Shipman*, Joriah Gorden and Vitaliy Kolontayev used recyclables, trash and other easy-to-access materials to create a gravity generator that can store power and planned to build solar panels out of recycled materials, then, in the artificial wind tunnels that solar farms create, erect windmills to capture as much energy as a possible, which can then be used to organically power small villages.WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?
Jacks Big IDEA (interdisciplinary design experience accelerator) engages students from all majors to solve high-impact, global challenges in a intensive, 48-hour challenge format.
WHO’S THE BIG IDEA FOR?
You. Yes, you and all NAU students–undergraduates and graduates–and all majors and areas of study are invited to apply.
WHY?
We live in a dynamic world, defined by unprecedented opportunities and challenges. You and your classmates, whatever your course of study, have the potential to change the world. Jacks BIG IDEA is an opportunity for you to develop a more curious, problem-solving mindset and skillset while solving real-world issues.
HOW DOES THE BIG IDEA WORK?
You and a small team of fellow NAU students will select and work on one of a broad range of design challenge options–think, build a more efficient airplane wing, design an app interface to reduce food waste, improve water transportation, etc. Your team will have the option to connect with other teams across the globe as we all work on these prompts. Don’t worry if you’ve never done something like this; mentors from the campus and community will be there to coach and guide you and your team through the event. Workshops during the event will help you hone your idea, practice your presentation, and more.
WHEN’S THIS BIG IDEA?
Jacks Big IDEA, Spr 2020, is over. The next is Spring 2021, February 19-21.
AND WHERE WILL THE BIG BE?
The Friday kickoff will be at the boundaryless@NAU commons, located between the Hot Spot and the restaurants in the University Union. The Saturday and Sunday design/work portion of the weekend will be in the Cline Library’s Learning Studio and Maker Space. The 48 hour period, Saturday through Sunday, is non-stop, sleep optional and will be in the Cline Library–the building will close down but you will have 24 hour access during the event. All meals (Friday evening through Sunday lunch), snacks, coffee, and energy drinks will be provided.