Richland students created technology to tackle school shootings — and won a $50,000 prize

While lawmakers continue to tussle over arming teachers, restricting or expanding gun rights and installing metal detectors at schools, a group of Richland County students has developed technology to keep classrooms safe in the event of a school shooting — and they’re finalists in a national competition for it.

Students from the Richland Two Institute of Innovation are being recognized nationally for developing electromagnetic door locks and curtains that can quickly secure classrooms during a school shooting, according to a news release. It’s part of Samsung’s “Solve for Tomorrow” contest, which encourages students to use science, technology, engineering and math to solve issues in their communities.

The Richland Two Institute students developed electromagnetic devices that can close and lock classroom doors in the event of an active shooter and deploy a curtain to cover windows on the classroom doors, preventing a gunman from seeing inside, according to the release.

The idea for the “Smart Lock” stemmed from students’ desire to keep using their open spaces at the institute, where teachers are required to keep classroom doors closed during class, according to instructor Kirstin Bullington.

“The project was a positive way for them to channel their concerns into a feasible solution, one that uses the design and engineering principles they have been learning in their classes,” Bullington said. “As an educator, the best outcome was not the prototype itself, but the increase in confidence that I saw in the students as they realized that they have the ability to solve problems that they and their community face.”

Because they are one of 10 national finalists in the contest, the Richland Two Institute of Innovation students are guaranteed $50,000 in technology and supplies for their school, according to Samsung. However, with the public’s help, they can secure an additional $10,000 in the Community Choice Award contest. Anyone wishing to cast a vote can do so online until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday at www.samusung.com/solve.

If the Richland Two students are named national winners next month in New York City, they will win a $100,000 prize package, according to Samsung.

Another school in the Samsung contest also developed technology to add a layer of protection to classroom doors in the event of a school shooting, according to CNN, which highlighted both schools in a story earlier this week.

“Richland Two and the entire community have been very supportive of the students in terms of providing feedback and suggestions to how their idea could be integrated into security plans for schools and beyond,” a spokeswoman for Samsung said. “The next step would be to try some beta testing with their design, and then see what improvements would need to occur. The students really feel that the district is listening to their concerns, and are excited that they may get to be involved in some safety solutions.”

This story was originally published March 27, 2019 at 4:37 PM.