Third-grader Zarina Lozada and her award-winning invention \u201cEC Banana \u2014 The Exploding Clock\u201d. PROVIDED<\/p>\n
Four students from\u00a0Gateway Charter School\u00a0have earned their way to the\u00a0Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, scheduled for June 3-5 in Dearborn, Michigan, after winning awards at the state-level competition.<\/p>\n
The winners are:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Olivia Arreola, kindergarten, first place in the kindergarten category for her invention \u201cHeadband Bumpers\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 Aaron Nguyen, first grade, first place in the first-grade category for his invention \u201cSafety Sidekick\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 Lucas Stevens, second grade, second place in the second-grade category for his invention \u201cSmart Bin\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 Zarina Lozada, third grade, Best Display Board Elementary award for her invention \u201cEC Banana \u2014 The Exploding Clock\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Each student identified a real-world problem and designed an original solution.<\/p>\n
Arreola\u00a0noticed that headbands and glasses apply uncomfortable pressure to the sides of the wearer\u2019s head. Her solution,\u00a0Headband Bumpers, adds padded bumpers to headbands and glasses to relieve that pressure. The bumpers can also be accessorized with decorative charms.<\/p>\n
Nguyen\u00a0recognized the danger that car traffic poses to people biking or walking. Inspired by sensors used in vehicles such as Teslas, he created the\u00a0Safety 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.<\/p>\n
Stevens\u00a0was troubled by trash left under and on cafeteria tables and was concerned about the extra burden it placed on school custodians. His\u00a0Smart Bin\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n
Lozada\u00a0tackled the common problem of people snoozing through their alarms. Her\u00a0EC Banana \u2014 The Exploding Clock\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0The continued success reflects the school\u2019s strong STEAM focus. The invention convention is a staple of the school\u2019s identity, with every student schoolwide participating in the program each year.<\/p>\n