Student presentation descriptions

2018

Student presentation titles and descriptions from the 2018 GIN Conference programme

Speed skating your way into Dutch culture                                                                                                     

Integrating into a new society is not an easy task. ISA’s Refugee Buddy Group aims to facilitate this process in our local community. In our presentation, we will analyse research of best practices and discuss our activity: ice-skating together to break the icy barriers between us!

Where, after all, do human rights begin?"                                                                                                       

Eleanor Roosevelt asked “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?”. This presentation will consider the fundamental qualities and attributes we need to nurture, starting “in small places, close to home”, if humankind is to continue to flourish and progress.

Your mind is greater than your school's energy use                                                                

How can you use your mind to its full potential? How can you reduce your school's carbon footprint? We will explore these questions using creative thinking strategies to find solutions for a more sustainable energy use which you can take back to your own school

Get in motion and save the ocean            

As our planet battles the consequences of human actions, oceans are the most vulnerable. From rising sea temperatures to plastic pollution, the future of our oceans depends on us. We will explore the problems and solutions for those who depend on what makes Earth "the Blue Planet".

Are all charities trustworthy?                                                                                                                             

Due to persuasive campaigning, we often feel compelled to help countries struck by natural disasters and donate money to help with the rebuilding process. Yet, we barely reflect on where this money is going and how it is being spent. Learn more about where the money you send to support those in need ends up.

Waste of a day                                                                                                                                                         

Have you ever thought of analysing how much waste your school produces? Students at the British School of Brussels have spent a month analysing waste within their school. They will share their shocking data, the impacts it has on the environment, as well as some of the simple solutions the school has put in place.

What is the colour of water?                                                                                                                              

Most underdeveloped countries do not have access to clean water. What problems do they face? How does drinking water become contaminated? What social and environmental impacts does this cause? We will share these universal issues and engage in an interactive discussion, offering possible solutions and an action plan to create positive change.

I am privileged                                                                                                                                                         

Demonstrating the general benefits of social and academic education, we consider how our EduKenya projects have impacted, and will continue to impact, the Maasai youth in Rombo (Kenya). In this process, participants will become aware of their own privileges. We will discuss both short and long-term consequences of our efforts.

5 simple steps to becoming a more environmentally sustainable enterprise       

Small changes can feel worthless in the larger pessimistic environmental picture. However, the recent repairing of the ozone layer demonstrates that lots of small actions can have an enormous impact. This presentation will explain how our school has taken five simple steps in becoming more sustainable.

The devil wears polos                                                                                                                                           

Are we the 'devils' or the 'angels' of fashion? Since traditional fashion damages the environment, and children are being exploited, we need to act and speak for those who cannot. Would you like to be part of the fashion revolution? Join us to find out how your decisions can enable change.

Four renewable alternative energy solutions                                                                                               

As a science team, our main focus is on renewable/reusable energy sources. We chose four different sources and concentrated on the distribution of uses nationwide and worldwide. We conclude our presentation with the survey we conducted in our city and our research online. We are looking forward to both sharing our work and looking for ways to collaborate on the topic.

Are we building a sustainable future for all or for the few?                                                                       

Around the world, people elect leaders they believe will hold their best interests at heart and provide for their welfare. But does the government really promote high standards of environmental and social protection? How much are they beholden to special interests? And what is the impact of corruption on developing sustainable environmental and social policy?

Step up your service game                                                                                                                                   

We are all young adults who were born into a privileged society. The mission of our school's service learning groups is to take the first step to bring privilege to those who are not as lucky. We will show you how our service learning groups work together as a team to create sustainable change.

Humankind can be kind                                                                                                                                       

Think of how many animal-based products you have used recently. Have you thought about how they were made and which animals suffered in the process? Animals are used in many industries today including fashion, cosmetics and entertainment. We can, and should, put an end to this by making simple changes to our daily lives.

See something, share something                                                                                                                       

If you see something, share it because it can change the world! Participants will explore social media campaigns that encourage everyone to connect and raise awareness of environmental issues within their communities. We will demonstrate how voices inspire communities to take action and provide sustainable solutions to the world's leading problems.

Growing locally, sustaining globally                                                                                                                 

How is life in foster homes or orphanages? How much of what we know is truth versus misconception? Working with a local orphanage in Kenya we hope to make this idea a more relatable reality for our students, leading to stronger initiative and commitment to our existing relationship with the orphans in that part of Africa.

Brexit: What kind of impact?                                                                                                                               

We are creating a documentary about the force of Brexit and its effects on our lives. Come along and find out how Brexit could affect you, no matter where you are from. This will be interactive, so come ready to add your perspective!

Would Nemo approve?                                                                                                                                 

Our workshop will look at the participants' plastic footprint, i.e. how much plastic each of us – often unconsciously - consumes and / or throws away daily, weekly and monthly. We will look at the consequences of this plastic consumption and explore ways in which all of us can reduce our plastic footprint.

When the waterfalls run dry                                                                                                                               

What happens if you turn the tap on and nothing comes out? Thirsty? Well, there is no water! The water crisis is no longer imminent but upon us and the world is running out of time. Every minute, every second counts. Where will you be when the waterfalls run dry?

Educating the leaders of tomorrow?                                                                                                         

Our future world leaders are trapped within a society that would rather fund military operations than invest in education. We are challenging traditional schooling systems in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to change the future through the minds of younger generations.

How drugs are affecting your life without you knowing it!                                                    

In a world where economies and families are torn apart due to drugs, something has to  change. But what? Can we create sustainable change for the drug world? Join us on a “trip” as we learn about drug trafficking, control, and sustainable change.

“Mar Menor”: a natural treasure to cherish                                                                                                  

The Mar Menor is the biggest salt water lagoon in Europe. Located in the south-eastern part of Spain, on the Mediterranean Sea, it has an outstanding ecological value, but it is in danger due to excessive human activity. It is our responsibility to take action by presenting sustainable solutions.

Female circumcision, an accepted ritual still…                                                                                   

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a real issue in many parts of the world, such as in sub-Saharan Africa. All four types of FGM involve the gruesome mutilation of the female genitalia. We will explain what this is and what we have done to raise awareness about it.

Why you might join the Alt-Right                                                                                                                   

Snowflake or racist? Divisions and polarisations across the political spectrum now seem to define us, but is a fierce liberal any different from a supporter of the Alt-Right? We will explore how we can partake in individual acts and larger social initiatives to help ensure a future of facilitated dialogue between people holding opposite views.

Ban the bottle

Have you ever thought twice before picking up a plastic bottle? You probably have, but changing habits isn’t as easy as it seems. Signing up for a simple 45-minute workshop will change your life, your school, your community and the future of the planet.

We know how to save the environment! Why isn't it happening?                                                           

With all the extensive environmental research that exists, alongside the extensive initiatives and efforts worldwide to protect our planet, how can we still be falling short? This presentation will review what we know, what is being done and reflect on what we need to do differently!

Climate refugees: a journey for survival                                                                                               

Refugees flee for safety, most commonly in times of war, political corruption and natural crisis. But what happens when your homeland vanishes forever? Explore the journey for survival people face when struck by the consequences of climate change and what is being done to help.

Using effective micro-organisms to improve water quality                                                                       

While developed counties usually have an excess of clean water, it is considered a scarce resource in the developing world. In Africa, for example, there are plenty of rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but they are often not clean enough. Now, what if we told you there was a solution to the problem?

Are we building a sustainable future for all or for the few?                                                                       

Around the world, people elect leaders they believe will hold their best interests at heart and provide for their welfare. But does the government really promote high standards of environmental and social protection? How much are they beholden to special interests? And what is the impact of corruption on developing sustainable environmental and social policy?

Four renewable alternative energy solutions                                                                                               

As a science team, our main focus is on renewable/reusable energy sources. We chose four different sources and concentrated on the distribution of uses nationwide and worldwide. We conclude our presentation with the survey we conducted in our city and our research online. We are looking forward to both sharing our work and looking for ways to collaborate on the topic.

Love should never hurt! Dealing with domestic violence                                                                           

We have created a phone application for anyone who experiences domestic violence. Help us improve our App and raise awareness, so that love can never hurt again!

Rohingya Genocide Interactive Exhibition                                                                                           

Take a deeper look at the Rohingya Crisis. Why are the Rohingyas victims of mass murder? Why hasn’t this mass murder been declared a Genocide? We spread the word throughout our international community in London with eye-catching creativity and design. We hope to share our interactive installation with you.

Photoshop: "Back 2 Life"                                                                                                                

In the glittering lights of Photoshop, we are allowed to explore a world of perfection. Yet what we tend to forget is the price we pay to live out this “perfect world”. Are we risking our own health and ideals by letting the idea of perfection reach unattainable levels? Our presentation will explore this new digital phenomenon and how new initiatives can allow us to bring ourselves back to reality.

Stop violence against women!                                                                                                               

49.8% of Turkey's population is female. There are 5 times more illiterate females than illiterate males. Around 4 out of 5 females feel insecure in their own neighbourhood. These are just three facts about women in Turkey. Violence, especially, is the most important issue to address. At BELS, we are trying to increase awareness of women's rights.

Locked up in troubled waters                                                                                                                     

Ocean sea life abuse has afflicted a variety of sea life all over the world. We will discuss  several aspects of sea life practices (focusing on sharks, dolphins and whales), raise  awareness of ocean conservation and explore practical solutions.

How green is our H(R)ome?                                                                                                               

Below its ancient surface, the Eternal City is marred by two blights: a lack of progressive waste-management, and mass homelessness. Motivated by a desire to address these issues, we started integrating initiatives to make our beloved city greener: more environmentally friendly, and more full of vibrant human life.

Fighting investigative torture                                                                                                                             

Every day in countries around the world, people are arbitrarily detained and tortured, forced to face dire consequences for crimes they may not have committed. From broken bones to mutilated corpses, there is no end to the cruelty of these systems. Join us to see how you can make a difference!

Permaculture in the future                                                                                                                             

Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design principles based on simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems. It includes one of the biggest problems in the world today: Genetically Modified Organisms. Most of the vegetables and fruit we consume today are GMOs. Our purpose is to raise awareness of these products.

Investigating 5 ways to eradicate poverty in China                                                                           

The poverty gap in China can be tackled through reducing gender inequality, addressing income levels, adjusting the proportion of each Gross Domestic Product sector composition, improving infrastructure and developing education in certain areas: 5 indispensable factors towards accelerating urbanization and economic globalization.

Keeping “La Huerta” as part of our natural heritage                                                                                   

La Huerta has been the most important symbol of Murcia for centuries, providing the best fresh fruit and vegetables, but its ecosystem has been gradually destroyed. What we propose is to promote the custom of consuming our orchard´s products and to design a mobile application to make citizens aware of this situation.

 Less packaging, more value to business and the planet                                                                             

We think of packaging as a major ethical and environmental issue nowadays, as wrappings have devastating effects on the earth, but they seem to be essential to industry and supermarkets. What if we told you that reducing or eliminating packaging is possible, and that it even has a positive economic impact?

Slaves to Terror: manipulation and exploitation                                                                                           

In a world of terror, ignorance is bliss. Every day, thousands of helpless individuals are captured and exploited by terrorist regimes, yet, blinded by our busy lives, we remain oblivious. Greater awareness is the imperative first step to facilitating sustainable change. We will therefore uncover the shocking truth about modern day slavery and how it is fuelling the vilest human acts.

How about saving water sources from home?                                                                                             

We would like to filter tap water at home by using basic materials in order to conserve drinkable water sources around the world. Since homemade filters are cheaper than commercial filters, the majority of people would be able to use this method to obtain drinkable water from tap water.

The ones who couldn't say no                                                                                                                             

Are you being abused? No? But others are. No one would admit playing a part in child abuse, even though it may easily be inflicted from the phones we use or the words we choose when speaking to others. There is a difference between you and bullied children. Prove your own difference by learning about it.