At its heart, the Artificial Reef Project is more than a science experiment - it’s a transformative learning experience. It invites students to take the lead in designing, prototyping, and ultimately building artificial reef structures that will be deployed into the ocean to support struggling marine ecosystems. The project is a response to both a global environmental crisis and a local opportunity: to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to be stewards of the planet.

Where Innovation Meets Empathy

Driven by the Design Thinking model - Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test - students explore the environmental challenges facing coral reefs. They are asked not just to understand the science behind reef collapse, but to consider the marine life affected by it and imagine solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.

Their designs incorporate upcycled and marine-friendly materials such as glass bottles and PVC pipes, showing a deep commitment to sustainability. This approach nurtures an understanding of how human ingenuity can both cause and solve environmental problems.

Learning Beyond the Textbook

Through this initiative, students are gaining far more than ecological knowledge. They are exploring core scientific concepts like the function of marine ecosystems, habitat creation, structural engineering, and environmental adaptability. At the same time, they are developing critical life skills - collaboration, creative thinking, and resilience.

In one of the project’s most unique aspects, students work across year levels, blurring the lines between age groups to foster a shared mission. Whether a budding scientist, a future engineer, or a passionate environmentalist, each student brings a unique strength to the team.

Measuring Impact: Now and Into the Future

The project’s success will be evaluated on multiple levels. Within the school community, prototypes will be judged by external experts and partners like Maritime Vietnam, based on creativity, durability, and relevance to the design brief. Students will present their ideas and explain their rationale, developing public speaking and persuasive communication skills.

The long-term impact, however, will be measured in the ocean. Twelve student-designed reef structures will be installed off the coast of Nha Trang, creating real habitats for marine life. As students’ progress through school, they’ll have the chance to revisit and observe the reefs’ evolution - documenting biodiversity, analysing structural performance, and experiencing the lasting results of their work.

Powered by Partnership and Passion
The Artificial Reef Project was pioneered by Professor Eric Nelson, whose vision and expertise laid the foundation for this ambitious undertaking. The successful implementation of the project within the school was driven by Akash Bendran, who coordinated its development and ensured it came to life in the classroom. The project also gained strong support from Ben Armstrong, whose advocacy helped push the idea forward and secure its execution.

Special recognition goes to the entire EIS Science Department, whose encouragement, collaboration, and subject knowledge provided the scaffolding for student success.

The initiative has also opened doors to valuable community and industry engagement. It is supported by a network of professional partners, including:

• Royal Haskoning DHV (Maritime Vietnam) for engineering guidance.
• ICM (International Construction Management) for architectural insight.
• Rainbow Divers for diving logistics and marine ecosystem consultation.
• Marriott Bonvoy Nha Trang, who have partnered with the school to host the reef models in their private bay area

These partnerships not only lend credibility to the project but also immerse students in a professional ecosystem where education meets industry.

A Legacy of Learning and Action
This is just the beginning. The Artificial Reef Project is designed to grow with the students, literally and figuratively. With each passing year, older students will monitor the reefs’ development, conduct biodiversity studies, and refine future reef designs. The project is laying the foundation for long-term environmental stewardship and scientific inquiry.

In an age where young people are increasingly being called upon to solve the problems they’ve inherited, the Artificial Reef Project proves that with the right mix of knowledge, creativity, and purpose, students can make real waves. And in this case, those waves just might carry life back to the sea.