Invention Convention at South Mountain School

By: Randi Kofsky

What do a slug trap, personal sprinkler, and Lego picker upper have in common? Answer: They were all featured at the rhythmically named Invention Convention at South Mountain School on June 4th.

For the last month, about 100 third graders have worked on perfecting their inventions in preparation for the annual event, where they proudly displayed and gave presentations demonstrating their magnum opuses. Stifling heat in the school gym did not deter the hundreds of parent and student visitors during the two-hour event.

“Some of these inventions could really be sold and marketed,” remarked third grade teacher Jennifer Visco.

Inventor Gaby was taking orders from her peers for her “Confidence Box” in which one reaches into the box to pull out scraps of paper with confidence boosters such as “I will not be bullied today” and “The phrase ‘I can’t’ doesn’t exist.” Inventor Frances was planning on selling her “Lazy-Shoes In” to Zoe, who negotiated a “friend discount.”

Sam showed off his “Bike Bed” in which he attached a pillow to his bike to cushion a fall. Other inventions included the aptly-named “Chickenator” (to aid in eating a drumstick), the “Magnetizer” (magnets attached to a broom handle to pick up paper clips), and the “Mouse-A-Rama” (mouse trap).

The goal of the assignment was for the kids to learn first-hand about the invention process from start to finish. First, students were asked to identify problems in their everyday lives by asking themselves, “What do people need? What would make life easier, safer or more fun?” Next, they were asked to brainstorm possible solutions and ultimately to pick the best solution and create the convenience. Students were permitted to spend a maximum of $10 on materials.

The young inventors were required to keep detailed journals of their ideas, tests and modifications and to diagram each step. They received grades based on their time management, creativity and effort, as well as on their presentation skills.

“The students are over the top from the day I give out the [assignment] folder until the Invention Convention. Excitement level on a scale of one to 10 is 100+,” said teacher Vernell Conyers.

According to Superintendent Brian Osborne, who attended the event, “The students’ inventions show their growing ability to think outside the box and apply creative solutions to real world everyday problems. I’m having a great time listening to them.”