Earlier this year, sisters Emi and Gia, 5th graders at Puckett’s Mill ES, met with Gov. Brian Kemp after the twins were named finalists in the University of Georgia (UGA) Radon Education Program’s annual poster contest. As members of the school's Robotics Team, Gia and Emi researched the adverse effects of radon and devised solutions to help remedy the issue. They were excited to share their findings with the governor.
“[Gov. Kemp] seemed very interested in our research,” said the siblings. “We hope he will begin to require a radon test for those who sell their homes, as well as a responsibility for the home buyer. We also proposed that if radon level is high, the seller would be responsible for paying 50% of the mitigation system.”
Emi and Gia said the recognition gave them a feeling of accomplishment, but, more importantly, they hoped the research conducted by their school’s robotics team would make a difference for Georgians.
Did you know that all GCPS elementary schools have robotics programs?
Every year, FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotic competitions encourage millions of students around the globe to solve a real-world problem—a global concern or something right in their own backyard.
FLL Team #329— the Puckett's Mill Rockin’ Radons— decided to focus on the Piedmont region of Georgia where radon levels are the highest in the state. The team, made up of 4th and 5th graders, considered other research topics but chose to focus on radon due to the impact their research and innovative solution could have on their community and beyond. Collectively, the team invested more than 1,000 hours of computer programming, engineering robot design, conducting research, designing their innovative solution, and presenting their findings.
Their project focus was a perfect fit with UGA’s radon poster contest, which asked Georgia students (ages 9-14) to design a poster to help alert the general public about the dangers of radon and steps they can take to keep their families safe. The top three winners receive prizes, and their posters are entered into the national contest. Their art also may be used in future public awareness campaigns.
That opportunity to help others was what led the twins and their teammates to enter the contest. Emi says, "We wanted to raise awareness about the adverse effects of radon, how easy it is to test your home, and the importance of protecting your family."
Emi, Gia, and the rest of the Rockin’ Radons—led by head coach Mandy Collins and assistant coach Jenny Ittner—are continuing to “pay it forward” as they spread the word about radon and its dangers, competing in FLL events as well as school and district science activities.
About Radon
"Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, taking upwards of 22,000 lives per year. Radon comes from cracks in a home's foundation and can easily be detected using a Radon Testing Kit. If detected, a mitigation system is easily installed at the home.”
Emi, Puckett’s Mill ES 5th Grader
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, colorless radioactive gas released by the natural decay of uranium in our soils and rocks. It is virtually undetectable without a test. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Georgia residents can place an online order for a radon kit from the University of Georgia Extension Services or order by mail.