Although primarily focused on Sargassum, the most crucial objective of our educational intervention is the development of key skills in learners to address the socio-environmental challenges their communities face due to changing climate and changes in land use.  Planned with local leaders to implement a methodology that supports the development of these skills while focusing on the pressing Sargassum issue, we will bring Biodesign methodologies to allied communities.  Inspired by the ample success in Colombia, the “Biodiseno in Colegios” methodology provides tools inspired by the “Design Thinking” approach to stimulate curiosity and awaken interest in STEM as a means of addressing environmental challenges, starting with massive Sargassum landings.

Our approach starts with training Local leaders and teachers in the methodology as well as in Sargassum biology, ecology, challenges, and opportunities. This ensures the longevity of the approach and enables new generations of learners to participate.  With a well-established and trained group, we will proceed with the collaborative creation of didactic Sargassum guides for learners to learn about the issue. Once acquainted with the problem, learners are exposed to the biodesign methodology, going through the four stages of Design Thinking:” Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test and Implement.” Focused on approaching the Sargassum problem through this lens, we will invite experts (both within and outside our team) to help learners develop their solutions. Finally, we will encourage learners to participate in the “Biodesign Challenge.”