A National Geographic Society Global Youth Initiative where Students Shine a Light on Ocean Acidification Through a Wonder Lab Innovation
Three students from The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) joined the Slingshot Challenge, a global initiative that aims to inspire youth, ages 13-18, to tackle the planet’s environmental issues. Supported by the National Geographic Society and the Allen Family Philanthropies, the challenge engages and supports the next generation of stewards for the planet. To participate in the challenge, students created a one-minute video outlining an innovative solution to an environmental issue they’re passionate about.
Students participated through their After School Activity (ASA) Wonder Lab where they followed National Geographic’s Wonder Learning Strategies and Explorer Mindset to explore real-world challenges through experimentation, field work, research, innovation and creative expression. Students focused on ocean conservation. The underlying idea of the project: “Sri Lanka’s Acidification Exposed” was based on investigating Sri Lanka’s surrounding ocean using cutting edge technology, where scientists describe ocean acidification in Sri Lanka as an understudied concern.
“Through research and inquiry, we explored how rising carbon dioxide levels impact marine ecosystems and coastal communities” said Alessandro Nereo Francovigh. The students chose to respond by creating a collection of stories designed to raise awareness and make the issue more accessible to the public through storytelling. Inspired by the Story of Place approach developed by National Geographic Explorer Erika Larsen, their work connects to science, people, and place through visual stories to raise awareness and connect people more deeply to this environmental issue. “Our motivation for participating was a passion for science to create a positive change within the community we live in,” said Vasilissa Munasighe.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme at The Overseas School of Colombo provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge through hands-on experimentation and real-world applications in the science subjects. “The inspiration came from the ocean acidification lab experiment we did in 10th grade, we decided to explore the issue in depth and take action. Thanks to the science department’s support we were able to turn an idea into a reality” said Haocheng Tang.
“We are very fortunate to have a meticulous and well-rounded science programme at OSC. By participating in the Slingshot Challenge students get to combine science, creativity and conservation to address a real environmental challenge affecting locally to restore our ocean. As students conduct their own research to find solutions, they become scientists themselves” said Hiruni Senarath Dassanayake, project mentor and Science Lab Technician at The Overseas School of Colombo.
After receiving solution ideas from across the globe, the National Geographic Society is now reviewing all Slingshot Challenge submissions and a panel of experts will select a small number to receive funding of $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 to further their journey.
Last year, the Slingshot Challenge reached a global audience with submissions from 96 countries, with nearly 4 million engagements on social media, and approximately 16,000 youth and 5,000 educators who signed up for the challenge.
The National Geographic Society will announce this year’s award recipients on May 12, 2026. Learn more at the 2026 Slingshot Challenge website.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Leave a Reply