Innovation, creativity, and problem-solving were on full display at Ada Harris School in Cardiff School District as fifth-grade students unveiled their inventions during the school’s annual Invention Convention earlier this month.

Now in its sixth year, the Invention Convention challenges students to identify real-world problems and invent practical solutions—mirroring the innovation process used by entrepreneurs and engineers. Working individually or in teams, students spend months brainstorming ideas, conducting research, designing prototypes, and preparing pitch presentations. This year, 74 remarkable inventions were developed by 112 Ada Harris fifth graders, according to a news release.

“Our students continue to impress us with their creativity, perseverance, and ability to think critically,” said Janelle Scheftner, principal of Ada Harris School, in the news release. “With support from teachers, families, and the broader community judges, Ada Harris students are gaining early exposure to entrepreneurship, design thinking, and STEM-based learning. The Invention Convention program emphasizes real-world application and skills that extend far beyond the classroom.”

From concept to creation, students developed product names, branding, written descriptions and visual designs—using both hand-drawn techniques and digital tools, including AI-assisted design. The experience culminated in live pitches, where students presented their inventions and explained their problem-solving process to both parents and a panel of local judges.

Following judging, 10 top inventions were selected to advance to the California Invention Convention, where young inventors from across the state will compete on April 26 for top honors and the chance to move onto Nationals this summer. The top 10 inventions moving included a variety of themes, the news release stated.

Inspired by life near the ocean and moving on to the state competition are:

•Step-N-Shred by Kai Buck and Aspen Hawker; and the•Session Savor by Quinn Gates.

Student inventors also focused on transportation and safety, including:

•Electric Waves by Brooksley Robles and Sienna Brocchini;•Mission Fire Safety by Caden Newsham and Kaden Lain; and the•Smart Tail Light for electric bikes by Georgina Rocha.

Other projects tackled everyday challenges with creative solutions:

•The Trip Dripper by Henry Levy;••Flashy 2000 by Declan Bonilla and Conor Justus;•Quick Fizz by Skyler Howard and Aarush Kunda; and

•Good Night Booklight by Jade Lueck and Ivy Seerveld.

Adding a dose of humor and relatability, The Wedgie Guard by Van Wastell addressed a classic childhood problem with a practical twist.

From the top 10 finalists, selected inventions will advance on to represent California at the national level through Invention Convention Worldwide, held at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. The national event brings together hundreds of top student inventors from across the country to compete for awards, scholarships, and recognition.

“Let’s go Ada Harris!,” Scheftner concluded in the news release.

For more information about the Invention Convention Worldwide, visit https://inhub.thehenryford.org/icw/home.