Students from Gateway Charter School advance to Invention Convention U.S. Nationals after winning at state competition
Four students from Gateway Charter School have earned their way to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, scheduled for June 3-5 in Dearborn, Michigan, after winning awards at the state-level competition.
The winners are:
• Olivia Arreola, kindergarten, first place in the kindergarten category for her invention “Headband Bumpers”
• Aaron Nguyen, first grade, first place in the first-grade category for his invention “Safety Sidekick”
• Lucas Stevens, second grade, second place in the second-grade category for his invention “Smart Bin”
• Zarina Lozada, third grade, Best Display Board Elementary award for her invention “EC Banana — The Exploding Clock”
Invention Convention Worldwide is a K-12 invention education program that teaches students problem identification, problem solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills. The program convenes a community of educators, business leaders, parents and students through competitions, events and a flexible, project-based curriculum aligned to educational standards.
Each student identified a real-world problem and designed an original solution.
Arreola noticed that headbands and glasses apply uncomfortable pressure to the sides of the wearer’s head. Her solution, Headband Bumpers, adds padded bumpers to headbands and glasses to relieve that pressure. The bumpers can also be accessorized with decorative charms.
Nguyen recognized the danger that car traffic poses to people biking or walking. Inspired by sensors used in vehicles such as Teslas, he created the Safety Sidekick, a vest equipped with sensors that alerts the wearer when cars approach. Nguyen deliberately avoided using a phone app, reasoning that phones can be a distraction for pedestrians and cyclists.
Stevens was troubled by trash left under and on cafeteria tables and was concerned about the extra burden it placed on school custodians. His Smart Bin is an automated trash receptacle that circulates a room so students can throw away their trash without leaving their seats. The device also provides feedback on whether items should be recycled or thrown away.
Lozada tackled the common problem of people snoozing through their alarms. Her EC Banana — The Exploding Clock is an alarm clock designed as a puzzle. To stop the alarm, the user must get out of bed and assemble the puzzle pieces, ensuring the person is fully awake.
At the national competition, the students will present the same projects they used at the state level, with the opportunity to continue refining and evolving their inventions as part of a continuous improvement cycle. The trip to nationals marks the third time Gateway Charter School has sent students to the national stage. The continued success reflects the school’s strong STEAM focus. The invention convention is a staple of the school’s identity, with every student schoolwide participating in the program each year.
Gateway Charter School is at 12850 Commonwealth Drive, Fort Myers. For more about the school, visit home.gatewaycharterschool.org.