How can we use STEM to make classrooms more secure?
R2i2 is honored to be the 2019 South Carolina State Winner for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition! Follow our progress as we use engineering design principles to make our classrooms more secure! As the incidence of mass shooting events has increased, schools have attempted to increase security policies. One such policy is for students to remain in locked classrooms, which prevents them from using open collaborative spaces. Studies have shown that these measures, known as “target-hardening,” can actually make students’ experiences at school more negative, and not lead to the intended effect of making students feel safer. R2i2 will address the problem of creating more secure spaces during active shooter events and drills within open schools by creating an electromagnetic security response system. In order to do this, R2i2 students will apply design and electromagnetic principles to build, test, and optimize a working prototype that quickly secures classrooms in the event of an intruder lockdown. Specifically, we will create a circuit to release doors and blinds when activated. Our solution will allow students to use their open spaces while ensuring their safety.
Warnick, B. (2018, February 15). Can Security Measures Really Stop School Shootings? Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-security-measures-really-stop-school-shootings/