NEW ORLEANS — Seventh graders at Audubon Gentilly are taking on big, real-world challenges — and turning them into innovative solutions. Students recently completed “Smart City” projects, using science, technology, engineering, and math to design model cities focused on solving issues communities face every day. From energy use to natural resource shortages, the goal was to think critically about how cities can adapt and thrive in the future. “They took on a really big project of creating smart solutions to everyday problems that we have in our city,” said seventh-grade science teacher Kelsey Taylor. Students began by examining challenges here in New Orleans, then expanded their thinking beyond the city to design their own communities with creative, sustainable solutions. “And then we took it a little further… students took on the challenge to create their own cities,” said seventh-grade science teacher Kelsey Taylor. Some models include features such as solar panels and working lights, highlighting a focus on renewable energy and efficiency. Others explore ways to better manage resources or rethink how cities are built. Taylor says the project pushed students to think beyond the classroom. “Students just really challenged themselves to think about what problems we already face… and how they could create sustainable solutions,” she said. The hands-on assignment also became a collaborative effort, with families helping bring the students’ ideas to life. The end result? Detailed, imaginative cities — and students gaining a deeper understanding of how innovation can shape the world around them. “I’m very impressed with the project. It exceeded my expectations,” Taylor said. “It was amazing.” The teacher says she looks forward to bringing the project back again in the future.