Indy Standard

Preventing wildfires has become a focus for a group of fifth graders from Rousseau McClellan School 91. Inspired by the recent fires in Los Angeles, students Zoe Plater, Coen Robinson-Thorpe, and Juliet Ward have developed an unmanned terrain vehicle designed to detect and extinguish small fires using heat-seeking sensors. Their teacher, Kelly Fisher, guided them in this project.

The students will present their innovation at the district’s 3rd Annual Innovation Fair. The event will take place on Friday, January 24th, from 6-8 p.m. at Northwest Middle School's gymnasium. During their demonstration, they plan to use whipped cream to simulate how their invention could extinguish a wildfire.

Fisher commented on the significance of such projects: "With projects like the wildfire-prevention vehicle, these students are proving that science, creativity, and determination can drive meaningful change in our world."

Mary Catherine Dillon, Senior Coordinator of Science for Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), emphasized the importance of representation in STEM fields: “Anyone can be a scientist, and representation in STEM fields matters.” She noted that the fair is open to all IPS K-12 students and various community members.

The Innovation Fair encourages participants to address community issues using STEM concepts. Students can work individually or in teams to design solutions presented through different formats such as games or videos. The event also aims to foster interest in STEM careers among underrepresented groups by showcasing diverse career paths with local STEM companies.