BlazeBlock: Young Innovators Building a Safer Future
In this series, we’ll hear from teachers and mentors past and present that have guided teams through the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision program about the positive impact the program has had on their students.
This year, I had the exciting opportunity to coach for the very first time, supporting three amazing Grade 3 students—Sofia Taha, Kason Sonnonberg-Trent, and Charlie Pilgrim—as they entered the K-3 category of the ExploraVision competition. From the very beginning, these students showed incredible dedication, working tirelessly with positive attitudes to brainstorm, research, and develop a competitive and meaningful idea.
In my classroom, I encourage students to envision their end goal first and work backward to stay grounded and focused. Throughout the process, the girls were challenged to think critically—testing ideas, questioning assumptions, and considering how their innovation could benefit people and the environment, while remaining mindful of cost. Sofia, Kason, and Charlie fully embraced this approach, demonstrating maturity and creativity beyond their years.
Through storyboarding, brainstorming, and extensive research, they developed BlazeBlock: a building material designed not just to withstand fire, but to actively resist it, helping protect homes and communities. Inspiration came from the news of devastating wildfires in Jasper, Alberta, and California. Witnessing the destruction caused by these fires motivated the team to ask, “How can we make things better?” As a result, they designed a fire-resistant building material that could help prevent future devastation and offer communities a greater sense of security.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been watching the students take their idea from theory into the real world. We were very fortunate that our story reached the ears of engineers at the Red Deer Polytechnic Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre, as well as business owners who work with similar materials. These industry experts offered positive feedback that validated the students’ hard work and innovative thinking. Through these real-world connections, Sofia, Kason, and Charlie realized that BlazeBlock wasn’t just a classroom idea—it had the potential to become a real-world solution to a pressing problem.
When BlazeBlock was announced as a Regional Winner, the excitement and pace of the project picked up significantly. It was amazing to see how the students’ dedication, creativity, and maturity were recognized not only in our school community, but also by professionals in the building industry, engineers, and members of the wider community. The positive response and encouragement they have received have been truly overwhelming and deeply inspiring.
I also want to recognize Mrs. Rabia Taha, our team mentor, who introduced the ExploraVision competition to me and asked me to be their coach. In only the girls’ second year of participating, Sofia, Kason, and Charlie have made history by becoming Alberta’s first regional champions!
Looking ahead, the team is excited to advance to the national phase of the competition. Have enjoyed being creative when making their prototype, video and a virtual poster. I am incredibly proud of their hard work and determination. I am eager to see where this journey takes them next.
The future is bright for these young innovators. Their story is a reminder of the power of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration—and just how much of an impact young minds can make when they are empowered to dream big.
To learn more about the 2025-26 ExploraVision program, visit https://www.exploravision.org.
