2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge Finalists: 11-14 year old students
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is delighted to announce the finalists in our 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge! This international contest engages students in important ocean issues through art. This year we asked students to create a piece of art that highlights the beauty and wonder of life in the deep sea.
We received a record number of submissions this year—over 1,700 entries from 82 different countries—making the selection process challenging yet rewarding. The submissions were breathtaking. Prepare to be amazed by their artwork, which showcases deep-sea creatures and ecosystems and emphasizes the urgent need to preserve the deep sea.
Entries to the Science Without Borders® Challenge are judged in two categories based on age. Here are the finalists selected from the younger group of applicants, students 11-14 years old:
"Praying" by Felicia Fang, Age 14, China
Artist's Statement: In the past days, whale fall provides a great amount of nutrition for the marine animals, making the ocean full of vigour. The decorations on the skeleton present the beauty of life. However, under the gorgeous skeleton, there’s tons of trashes and plastic objects, creating a strong contrast. As sea pollution is increasing, life is even more difficult for the deep sea animals due to the lack of foods. Only depending on a whale fall cannot support the survival of all deep sea creatures. Therefore, they decide to transfer the hope from depending on a whale fall to saving themselves on their own. The plastic tie around every creatures’ neck alerts them of this disaster, also reminding them to fight together. They share a part of their body to the others, praying for the end of this disaster, praying for the human being to leave a way out for them.
