Project EARTHGUARD
Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future
FIRST LEGO League 2025 – UNEARTHED Theme
🌊 The Problem
Coastal archaeological sites worldwide are vanishing at an alarming rate due to the combined effects of climate change, sea-level rise, and increasing storm frequency. These coastal areas contain invaluable cultural, historical, and scientific data that provide insights into ancient civilizations.
Why Are Sea Levels Rising?
- Thermal Expansion – Ocean water absorbs heat and expands, increasing water volume
- Melting Glaciers and Ice Sheets – Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets melting rapidly
- Groundwater Extraction – Pumped groundwater eventually flows into the ocean
- Feedback Loops – Melting ice reduces Earth's reflectivity, causing faster warming
Impact on Archaeological Heritage
Rising tides, erosion, and saltwater intrusion damage artifacts, weaken structures, and submerge excavation sites. Examples include Viking settlements in Greenland, submerged Roman ports, and eroding shell mounds in Florida — all representing irreplaceable losses of human history.
💡 Our Innovative Solution
Project EARTHGUARD combines LIDAR Monitoring Drones and Carbon Capture Barriers into one integrated system to protect and monitor endangered archaeological sites.
LIDAR Monitoring Drones
Emit rapid laser pulses to create 3D terrain models, detecting even minor erosion or flooding with early warning alerts.
Carbon Capture Barriers
Made from biochar, oyster shells, and plant fibers. Absorb CO₂, slow wave energy, and encourage vegetation growth.
How It Works: Integration Process
- LIDAR drones collect terrain and erosion data
- Software identifies critical erosion zones
- Carbon Capture Barriers are placed strategically
- Continuous monitoring measures CO₂ reduction and soil stabilization
- Feedback loop improves coastal resilience over time
🧱 LEGO Model Demonstration
| Component | Represents |
|---|---|
| Blue Plates | Ocean and waves |
| Brown/Tan Bricks | Coastal soil and ruins |
| Green Pieces | Vegetation and bio-barriers |
| Ultrasonic Sensor | Simulated LIDAR |
| Medium Motor | Rotating scanner |
| Color Sensor | Detects CO₂ levels |
🎬 Project EARTHGUARD Demo Video
Demo Process
- Simulate erosion with fan or motion
- Deploy green LEGO barriers along the coast
- Activate rover (LIDAR) to scan terrain
- Color sensor detects CO₂ (dark tiles)
- LED lights turn green, showing reduced erosion
🌍 Real-World Impact
Non-Invasive Monitoring
Protect coastal archaeology without disturbing sites
Carbon Sequestration
Natural barriers that absorb CO₂
Community Engagement
Local participation in preservation
UN SDG Support
Aligns with Goals 13 and 15
Future Vision
- 🤖 AI-based erosion prediction algorithms
- ☀️ Solar-powered autonomous drones
- 🌐 Global heritage monitoring platform
- 📱 Mobile app for community reporting
📚 Research Insights
| Research Topic | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Climate Science | Sea-level rise results from global warming and ice melt accelerated by greenhouse gases |
| Archaeological Preservation | Conventional excavation cannot prevent erosion. Continuous monitoring is essential |
| LIDAR Technology | Uses laser pulses to create 3D maps, detecting erosion or buried structures |
| Carbon Capture | Captures CO₂, slows climate change, and stabilizes soil naturally |
| Sustainable Barriers | Biochar and oyster shells absorb CO₂ and reinforce coastal soils |
⭐ Team Reflection & Core Values
FLL taught us that technology can protect history and the planet simultaneously. We learned teamwork, creativity, and the importance of continuous learning.