WEEK 1 at IdeaSquare:
What a whirlwind week one has been! This week marked the start of our two week intensive at CBI A3, and coincidently, we had the privilege of being part of the 10th-anniversary celebration of IdeaSquare. It’s been an intensive, inspiring, and incredibly rewarding journey so far. Let’s dive into all the highlights!
The Challenge: Kepler – 452B Settlement
Our task for week one was ambitious: establish a sustainable settlement of Kepler-452B. Each of us joined mixed teams from Australia and Germany, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise. Shannon and Mark tackled the construction of a healthcare unit. Claudia focused on sanitation and the supply of clean drinking water. Anoop explored ethical considerations and mapped out the user health journey on the planet. By the end of the week, we were tasked with presenting our group findings and plans. And what a presentation it was! Over 30 minutes, five teams outlined a chronological roadmap for constructing and establishing our extraterrestrial settlement. It was collaborative, creative, and a bit nerve-wracking, but ultimately a triumph
Celebrating 10 Years of IdeaSquare
Being a group lucky enough to be a part of the 10th Anniversary celebration was wonderful. It was an event filled with inspiration and insight. We heard captivating stories about the origins of IdeaSquare, the incredible impact it has had over the past decade, and the vision for its future. Oh, and there was a sneak peek at something exciting in the works – but we’ll keep that under wraps for now. The celebration wasn’t just about reflection; it also included a delicious lunch and dinner, plus the opportunity to network with the higher-ups at IdeaSquare
Field Trip and Hands-On Experiences
Beyond the challenge, this week was packed with memorable experiences. We visited the Synchrocyclotron, and witnessing this iconic device in action was awe-inspiring – a humbling moment to stand in the presence of history and innovation. We also built a cloud chamber, which was a fun and educational exercise, and visited a water treatment plant, which provided a practical look at sustainability in action. These visits were not just field trips; they gave us a deeper appreciation of the technology and systems we were working with.
Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration
If there’s one takeaway from this week, it’s that collaboration is the key to solving complex challenges. Initially, each team was laser-focused on their own piece of the puzzle. The construction team experimented with materials, the sanitation team calculated water needs, and the ethics team dove into regulations and laws. It was a lot to juggle, and at first, we were all moving in parallel rather than together. The turning point came on Day Two when we realized that success hinged on constant communication and collaboration. We pivoted our approach, prioritizing frequent check-ins and updates between teams. Shared spaces, like whiteboards, became crucial for documenting ideas and aligning efforts. Teams freely exchanged findings, ensuring no one was left behind.
By the end of the week, we saw how vital these changes were. Through daily reflections and mini-presentations, we learned the value of stepping back, analyzing our actions, and refining our approaches. It’s true: transformation starts with reflection.
Looking Ahead
Week two is just around the corner, and we’re ready to dive back in with our home groups. There’s a new challenge waiting – the main challenge of this CBI A3 project, and with everything we’ve learned this week, we’re eager to tackle it head-on. Thanks for following along on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates – Week two promises to be just as exciting, if not more. Until then, cheers to collaboration, creativity, and pushing boundaries!
By Team NEXUS
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