Loomis Elementary’s four-student team creates zero-emissions potato chip company for STEM competition

It wouldn’t be alarming to hear of a new company producing potato chips. Few would be shocked to hear of such a company creating new flavors for said chips. You probably wouldn’t even be too surprised to hear it has its own catchy name and slogan: “Flavor Fusion: Big Taste Zero Waste.” That slogan, in addition, is a nod to the company’s impressive ability to produce its potato chips with zero carbon emissions.

No, that might not be a surprising tale. It is a global economy, and it is likely new companies just like this pop up from time to time. But, what if I told you that these concepts all came from the minds of students? Fifth grade students to be exact … 

    ‘Flavor Fusion’ was a company created by the four-student team of Loomis Elementary for a DCIU competition. The company would create potato chips with a zero-emissions process. (Image courtesy of MNSD)
  

At Loomis Elementary School, a part of the Marple-Newtown School District, that is just what came about during its recent STEM competition. Hosted by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU), the head-to-head contest featured teamwork combined with creativity to bring forth a plan for the best organization. 

The Loomis Elementary squad, made up of four fifth-grade students, participated with its Flavor Fusion creation, a prototype for a sustainable potato chip factory. Together, the quad had to develop standards to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    The competition included both physical models and written explanations of a self-created concept. The Loomis Elementary team created a potato chip organization, Flavor Fusion. (Image courtesy of MNSD)
  

“Team Loomis built a factory that would eliminate the need for carbon emissions in their supply chain,” said a social media post by the school. “We are so proud of their effort in problem solving and creativity!”

Under the guidance of Mrs. Mezzanotte, the students showed off their impressive concept with both physical models and written plans to represent their creation. Anchored by the STEM values, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the team showcased a comprehensive plan that truly brought forth more than “big taste” with “zero waste.”

Loomis Elementary is located in Broomall. Congratulations to the competing students.