Sustainability In View: Arkansas Students Design for the Little Rock Zoo | Make48 Classroom Experience

From buzzing insects to powering up with nature, students in the Classroom Experience proved that when it comes to sustainability, the future looks bright.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the “Sustainability In View” challenge, a part of the Make48 Innovation Experience. Partnering with the Little Rock Zoo and EAST, students were tasked with creating solutions that bring conservation and sustainability into focus.

The creativity, teamwork, and passion for the environment displayed by these students were truly inspiring. After reviewing the submissions, we are excited to reveal the results!

Meet the Winning Teams

Congratulations to Hot Springs Junior Academy! Led by teacher Aspen Ham, their project, "Chill and Charge: Powered by Nature," perfectly captured the spirit of the challenge, blending utility with eco-friendly design. A huge congratulations to this team for their first Place victory!

Coming in second Place is Lamar High School with their project "Any Leaf." This team, led by Matt Little, brought a creative approach to the prompt, impressing the judges with their concept and execution. 

From left to right: 'Chill and Charge: Powered by Nature' from Hot Springs Junior Academy; 'Any Leaf' from Lamar High School; and 'Bug Bait' from Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary.

Honorable Mentions

The competition was so strong that we have three incredible Honorable Mentions to recognize. 

These teams brought diverse ideas to the table, ranging from insect conservation to outdoor engagement.

• The Final Buzz – Representing Izard County STEM High School (Teacher: Brett Stevenson)

• Insect-A-Pack – Representing Manila High School (Teacher: Christy Woody)

• Buzz Bait – Representing Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary (Teacher: Jenine Ottaway)

A Wild Success

We want to send a massive thank you to the Little Rock Zoo for providing such a meaningful challenge and to the EAST programs involved. Connecting students with real-world conservation issues allows them to see the impact their ideas can have on their local community.

We are also incredibly grateful to the teachers and facilitators who guided these students. We are honored to be a part of your students' journey in innovation!

Do you want your students to tackle real-world challenges like this? We’re already having schools sign up for a chance to participate in the 2026–27 Make48 National Tournament. If you’re ready to give your students a chance to innovate, compete, and learn real-world skills, let’s make it happen. Visit www.make48.com/classroom to learn more.