The 2017 Invent It Challenge launched 10 days ago and we hope your child is among those thinking about projects to enter. This year’s challenge invites kids ages 5 to 21 to think about a real-world environmental challenge and come up with a planet friendly solution. Often we hear from kids that the most difficult part is coming up with an idea that they can really sink their teeth into; an idea that inspires them and makes them excited about discovering a solution. While we can’t help as much as we’d like with that part, we can provide a bit of inspiration for our young inventors by profiling a few kid inventors who developed products that have the potential to make a huge impact in the health of the environment.
Water Quality Improvement by Paige
Seventeen-year-old Paige Brown studied the water quality of seven local streams, six of which had been declared environmentally impaired by Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection. Paige is now developing a cost effective device that uses a common algae-derived gelling agent and other compounds to remove the phosphorous from water within storm water systems in her city and beyond.
Disposing of Plastic Bags by Daniel
Daniel Burd found a way to use microbes to degrade plastic bags in as little as three months. According to the 16-year-old, “almost every week I have to do chores and when I open the closet door, I have this avalanche of plastic bags falling on top of me. One day, I got tired of it and I wanted to know what other people are doing with these plastic bags.”
Measuring Water Usage by Elizabeth
When Elizabeth Rintels was 12 she created a smart device that measures and monitors water use in the shower. Elizabeth’s gadget, which can be attached to any faucet, lights up and beeps with every half-gallon of water that gushes forth helping people keep track of their water usage.
New Homes by Max
Max Wallack was also 12 when he invented the “Home Dome”. Composed of plastic bags filled with Styrofoam packing peanuts, the yurt-shaped structure was designed to offer temporary shelter for homeless people and disaster victims, while relieving landfills of non-biodegradable waste.
Does your child have an idea of a project for the 6th Annual Invent It Challenge?
Check out our Invent It Challenge webpage for a wealth of information that will help your child complete and submit their project. And check back here for additional blogs with inspiration and advice designed to help make inventing it as fun and easy as possible.
