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:
"Life in Death" by Ziah Kim, Age 14, United States of America
Artist's Statement: Throughout a whale’s life, it is constantly providing and living for others; for instance, a whale provides a place for barnacles to attach to for food and a place to live while also absorbing human-generated carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Even after it passes, the whale serves as a home, an ecosystem, and a resource, which is why so many species of animals gather following a whale’s demise. A whale represents a life that is continuous even throughout its passing. Although it may not be apparent what is unique about the remains of a whale at first glance, there are so many beautiful creatures thriving off of the great cetacean in darkness. Also, hydrothermal vents are vital for sea life as they balance the chemical composition of the minerals in the ocean. Many beautiful creatures lie hidden in one of the deepest, darkest places in the world, thanks to whales.
