You’ve heard of recycling, but what about “upcycling?” This is the process of converting old or discarded materials into something useful—and often beautiful. “Plastics: Reduce Single Use” was the theme of this year’s Sacramento County Academic Bowl, held today at Rosemont High School in Sacramento, and upcycling took center stage.
Academic Bowl, coordinated by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), is an academic competition held annually for students attending community, continuation, or special education schools. During this year’s event, students showcased their knowledge of the widespread use of plastic and how it is affecting our environment and oceans.
Prior to the competition, each team developed an upcycled plastic product out of consumer plastic materials. At the competition, they created recycling bins using plastic water bottles, cups, and straws. Teams also took the stage in front of an audience and a panel of judges to present public service announcement slideshows they’d produced on the competition theme.
Students compete on five- to eight-member teams, and spend time in class and after school preparing for the demanding competition. In addition to mastering the academic content (based on California’s content standards), students learn teamwork, computer and presentation skills, goal setting, and leadership.
Winning Teams
- 1st Place: William Daylor High School
- 2nd Place: Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School
- 3rd Place: E.L. Hickey Senior Extension Program
- Slideshow Winner: Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School
- Upcycle Challenge Winner: William Daylor High School
Participating Schools
- E.L. Hickey Jr./Sr. High School (Sacramento County Office of Education)
- E.L. Hickey Senior Extension Program (Sacramento County Office of Education)
- Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School (Sacramento County Office of Education)
- North Area Community School (Sacramento County Office of Education)
- William Daylor High School (Elk Grove Unified School District)