2018 Student Presentations

Original Poem: "Water" - Heather Garrison, FUHS  

Hemp Can Save the World - Joe Thompson, FUHS: Learn about the many ways hemp can solve some of the most pressing environmental issues.  

Kalinga Women’s Resistance Against the Chico Dam (Philippines) - Lily Shelton; Jacqueline Ramirez, FUHS: Women in the Kalinga region of northern Philippines have led the resistance against a World Bank funded dam project that would destroy their way of life.  

Water Scarcity in the Wake of Natural Disaster (Puerto Rico) - Branden Ramirez, Betania Hernandez, Emmanuel Meraz, FUHS: In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico continues to struggle with access to clean drinking water. What is the responsibility of the United States in dealing with this crisis? 

Impact of Climate Change on Recreational Water Activities: Amanda Flackus, Alexis Roberts, FUHS: How are water based recreational activities being impacted by climate change and pollution? An overview of the causes and consequences that affect our recreational opportunities. 

Pros and Cons of Hydropower - Dylan Berman, NPA Middle: What is hydropower, and what are its benefits? This project explores the pros and cons of hydropower in California and the USA.  

Our Local Water Treatment Plant - NPA Middle: Ever wondered about the Arcata Marsh and its role in the community as more than just a pretty place to get outside? This project explains how the water treatment ponds work and play an important role for Humboldt County’s citizens. 

Plastic Pathways: Trash and Water’s Route to the Ocean - Tahvo Stephan, Noah Hergenrader, Kyla Berman, NPA Middle: How does trash get into our ocean through waterways? This presentation identifies the route of Fickle Hill Creek, discusses some current problems with storm drain systems, and offers some solutions to keep our planet clean.  

Cannabis Culture and Water Use - Sophie Stringer, Haley Benbow, Lisa Werner, Mattea Bertain, Jessie Hess, FUHS: Get ready for an eye-opening presentation on how Northern California’s most lucrative industry affects our waterways. In this time, we will discuss the environmental and legal aspects of cannabis cultivation in regards to California’s water. 

Rios to Rivers Cultural Exchange - Kis’ Joseph, Anne Rants, Hoopa High: Students from the Klamath Basin have joined youth from Patagonia, Chile to work on protecting and restoring their rivers, The exchange focused on furthering their educations and empowering them to become the future stewards and spokespersons for their rivers.  

OpenROV Underwater Robotics - Conrad McConnell, Lily Pimsner; Logan Smith; Sky Korejko; Evan Aguilar; Aiden Vergen; NPA High School: In 2012, McKinleyville High graduate Eric Stackpole launched OpenROV, an open-source underwater robot kit that would open up affordable underwater exploration and research to everyone. In 2014, NPA began fundraising and bought a kit for themselves. While the maintenance and learning curve have been difficult for both students and their teacher, the experience has inspired them to believe that no adventure is truly out of reach.

Demand Response/Schatz Energy Lab Internship - Agustin Garcinuno, FUHS High: Ever felt curious about how refrigerators worked? In this presentation not only will you learn the ins and outs of standard refrigeration mechanics, but you will also analyze new rising technologies that will help our planet reach a new level of sustainability.

Presentations from Our Community Experts

Keynote Speech: Rainwater and Youth Around the World: Lonny Grafman has led water catchment projects all over the world. Lonny is an Instructor of Sustainable Design at Humboldt State University, the founder of the Practivistas summer abroad program. (Library Fishbowl)  

The Zero Waste Solution: Zero Waste Humboldt will be discussing what Zero Waste is and why it's important. We will describe the work of our organization, what you can do to make a difference, and the problems with today's waste management. (Library Fishbowl)  

Ocean Acidification and Marine Life: Cori Flannery, HSU graduate student, will demonstrate how ocean acidification works and involve the audience in learning about the impacts of ocean acidification on local marine organisms (Location: Siemens Hall 109) 

 Indigenous Rights, Contamination, and Water Politics in Oaxaca, Mexico: HSU Graduate Student Natasha S O'Loughlin will involve students and teachers in learning about health issues facing the indigenous community of Zoogochi in Oaxaca, Mexico. (Location: Siemens Hall 110)

February 9, 2018, Humboldt State University Library Fishbowl

The goal of the Global Youth Summit is to bring together young people from Humboldt County to learn about environmental justice, social justice, and issues of global significance. The second annual Humboldt Global Youth Summit will take place at Humboldt State University on Friday, February 9.  

 

This student-centered summit gives student teams a space to present their projects and research around the year's theme and learn from experts in our community.  The 2018 Global Youth Summit is free for all students and teachers and is generously funded by a grant from the California Teachers Association's Institute for Teaching and part of the 2018 HSU International Education Week.

How to Get Involved

All disciplines are welcome!  There are many ways to engage with this year's theme, and individual Grade 7-12 teachers are invited to participate in one of two ways.

 

1.  Coach a presenting team of up to 5 secondary students.  Teachers who coach a presenting team will receive a stipend of $500 following the Global Youth Summit.  Space is limited, so presenting schools will receive registration priority.

 

2.  Bring a group of secondary students to attend (up to 10), provided space remains.

 

Register as soon as possible to secure a space.  Click here for the registration form.  Deadline for participating presenting student teams is September 30, 2018.

Information About the 2018 Theme: The Water Crisis, Water Politics, and the Future of Sustainability

Any student research projects, presentations, hands-on project showcases, activities, art, drama, music, poetry, speeches, etc., are welcome, provided they connect to this year's theme.  They may be global or local in scope, and may touch on historic or contemporary issues having to do with water issues, water politics, water sustainability, and/or the future of water.