CEISMC would like to congratulate the following 2016 Georgia Tech K-12 InVenture Challenge Award Winners:

Sponsor and Special Awards

IronCAD Award:
Team: Finger Eraser
School: Matt Elementary School
Students: Ellie Holmes, Brooke Mizer, and Ava Miller

TAG Manufacturing:
Team: Wedge Tech
School: Living Science School
Students: Everett Apple, Claire Crose

The 2016 People’s Choice:
Team: Succulent Solution
School: Nickajack Elementary School
Students: Jonthan Fairgrieves and Riley Davis

1st Grade & Youngest Team:
Team: Supper Moppers
School: Awana Academy
Students: Hassan Muhammed, Zayn Barzegar


Elementary School Winners

1st Place Elementary School Award:
Team: Bristles 4 Braces
School: Pickett’s Mill Elementary School
Students: Julia Oubre, Sofia Byrd, and Autumn Bell

2nd Place Elementary School Award:
Team: Succulent Solution
School: Nickajack Elementary School
Students: Jonthan Fairgrieves and Riley Davis

3rd Place Elementary School Award:
Team: Brushy Brush
School: Norton Park Elementary School
Students: Samanatha Fransten, Lauren Nunez


Middle School Winners

1st Place Middle School Award:
Team: The Wheel Barrel Team:
School: Amana Academy
Students: Melissa Gill-Marquez, Annie Sunderland, and Faria Panwala

2nd Place Middle School Award:
Team: My Eco Water
School: Amana Academy
Students: Asim Bharde, Mohamad Hashem, and Austin Braverman

3rd Place Middle School Award:
Team: DCR Skate
School: Edwards Middle School
Students: Cody Burton, Deshon Jones, and Rajan Rose


High School Winners

1st Place High School Award:
Team: Noise X
School: Walton High School
Students: Michael Kim, Harry Cain, and Jack Bugbee

2nd Place High School Award:
Team: Wedge Tech
School: Living Science School
Students: Everett Apple and Claire Crose

3rd Place High School Award:
Team: ReVitalize
School: Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology
Students: Briana Gordon and Rajuan Nelson


1st Place Teachers:

The teachers (3) of the first place elementary, middle, and high school teams Ann Baxley (Walton High School), Salwa Varachhia (Amana Academy), Cassie Llewallyn (Pickett’s Mill Elementary) were recognized with a special certificate.

 

About The 2016 Georgia Tech K-12 InVenture Challenge

Top K-12 student teams competed in the K-12 - InVenture Challenge state finals at Georgia Tech. The competition take place in the Klaus Atrium on March 16th, 2016.

The 2016 competition included 60 student invention teams present ranging from 1st grade through 12th grade.  The winners of each division are eligible to compete at the first annual National Invention Convention in Washington, DC on May 20-21, 2016.

Student Projects were judged by industry experts and Georgia Tech community members. Judging took place electronically.  Judges will rate the projects in terms of :

  1. Practicality
  2. Knowledge Base
  3. Design-based Thinking
  4. Creativity
  5. Marketability
  6. Social Responsibility
  7. Enthusiasm & Communication
  8. Manufacturing

Details About Winning Student Project


Sponsor and Special Awards


IronCAD Award:
 

Team: Finger Eraser 
School: Matt Elementary School 

County: Forsyth
Students: Ellie Holmes, Brooke Mizer, and Ava Miller, 5th Grade

Teacher: Debi Carnaroli

Abstract: Have you ever needed an eraser that could fit on your finger so when the eraser on your pencil breaks, you could just pull out your Finger and erase your mistakes without a hassle?! That’s why we have invented the Finger Eraser!

We have a website for a monthly subscription box. In the box it comes with 3 Finger Erasers that you picked! The Finger Eraser comes in many different shapes, scents, designs, and colors. If you have specific tastes, you can take the survey online so we know what kind of shapes, patterns, scents, and colors you would like.

We make the Finger Eraser by buying Eraser Clay and molding it into the shape you would like. If you would like to have a pattern or design, we carve it out onto the Finger Eraser before we bake it. When it is done baking and you want to have a scent, we rub the scent onto the Finger Eraser . The Finger Eraser actually keeps its smell.

The price for our Finger Eraser is $1.99 each. If you would like to buy the monthly subscription box, it is $5.00 a month for one. We hope you enjoy our product!

TAG Manufacturing Award: 

Team: Wedge Tech 
School: Living Science School 

County: Private Hybrid School in Cherokee County
Students: Everett Apple, Claire Crose, 10th Grade

Teacher: Michelle Crose

Abstract:

At our school we have observed that stacks of folding chairs tend to fall over and cause disruptions including minor injuries and distractions in the middle of class. This was annoying to both teachers and students because it interrupted valuable time and created more work. Our goal was to create a way to keep folding chairs stacked upright against the wall. We wanted our product to not only solve our problem, but also be portable, inexpensive, and easy to use. The basic concept we came up with was a pair of horseshoe shaped wedges that slid around the legs of the last folding chair in a stack. In addition to the initial shape, we added a rubberized surface to the bottom in order to increase friction and prevent the chairs from sliding. Our test results show that with our product people can stack more folding chairs at a greater angle without worrying about them falling. Our solution was very successful, and it accomplished our original goal.

The 2016 People’s Choice Award:

Team: Succulent Solution 
School: Nickajack Elementary School 

County: Cobb
Students: Jonthan Fairgrieves and Riley Davis, 5th Grade

Teacher: Dana Zhun

Abstract: 

The Succulent Solution
Hello, we are Team Succulent Solution! Our idea is to help people get easy access to the water and gel in cacti and other succulents. The main cactus we studied is the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia). We chose this cactus is because it filters its own water. It also has many medical properties such as helping with type 2 diabetes. This cactus is a great choice because it grows all over the world.
Our idea is an improvement because it is a less expensive and destructive way to the get the fluids from cacti. The prior way to get water was to manually remove all the spines and cut open or crush the flesh. Our design uses a specially designed succulent tap, plastic tubing and simple suction. In all, we could make this product for about two dollars.
Our product could be used by lost hikers. It could also be used by researchers who are studying water purification and medical solutions. We want to implement this product in third world countries to help with access to water. This is a real world problem that somebody needs to solve. We hope to be part of the answer with The Succulent Solution.

Youngest Team:

Team: Supper Moppers 
School: Amana Academy 

County: Fulton
Students: Hassan Muhammed, Zayn Barzegar, 1st Grade

Teacher: Holly Jimenez, Salwa Varachhia

Abstract:

My invention is the Super Moppers. My invention meets a need. I read that a married working mother of two kids under the age of 10 spends 20 hours per week maintaining her home. My mom works hard and has to clean our floors. She gets tired and her knees hurt. So I used the Engineering Design Process that I learned at my school. My super moppers are shoes with scrubbers. They are attached to the shoes on the bottom. I used strong duct tape. I can wear them and then I can clean the floor. I put some soap on the floor. Then I wear my moppers to clean. This is a solution for a problem. I tested the Super Moppers and they worked. My mom liked the design because it helps her. I can improve them if I make ones that dry too.

Elementary School Winners

1st Place Elementary Team: 
Team: Bristles 4 Braces 
School: Pickett’s Mill Elementary School 

County: Cobb
Students: Julia Oubre, Sofia Byrd, and Autumn Bell, 5th Grade

Teacher: Cassie Llewallyn

Abstract:

Project combines different tools and necessities for braces all in one simple to use efficient toothbrush.Toothbrush includes refillable containers for wax floss and many more containers for must have necessities for braces.

2nd Place Elementary Team: 

Team: Succulent Solution 
School: Nickajack Elementary School 

County: Cobb
Students: Jonthan Fairgrieves and Riley Davis, 5th Grade

Teacher: Dana Zhun

Abstract: 

The Succulent Solution
Hello, we are Team Succulent Solution! Our idea is to help people get easy access to the water and gel in cacti and other succulents. The main cactus we studied is the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia). We chose this cactus is because it filters its own water. It also has many medical properties such as helping with type 2 diabetes. This cactus is a great choice because it grows all over the world.
Our idea is an improvement because it is a less expensive and destructive way to the get the fluids from cacti. The prior way to get water was to manually remove all the spines and cut open or crush the flesh. Our design uses a specially designed succulent tap, plastic tubing and simple suction. In all, we could make this product for about two dollars.
Our product could be used by lost hikers. It could also be used by researchers who are studying water purification and medical solutions. We want to implement this product in third world countries to help with access to water. This is a real world problem that somebody needs to solve. We hope to be part of the answer with The Succulent Solution.

3rd Place Elementary Team: 

Team: Brushy Brush 
School: Norton Park Elementary School 

County: Cobb
Students: Samanatha Fransten, Lauren Nunez, 4th and 5th Grade

Teacher: Angela Bourrage

Abstract:

The Brushy Brush helps people who have problems cleaning out their hair brushes because it has too much hair in it. Our invention is not the brush itself but the net you apply to it. You apply this net attachment with Velcro. The Velcro comes with black tape so your hair won’t get caught in the Velcro. The net is water proof so you can also use the Brushy Brush in the shower. You can clean out the brush by a simple rinse of water. The cost of the Brushy Brush falls within the range of $5 to $10. Not only is the Brushy affordable it is also flexible. The Brushy Brush can also be applied to dog brushes, you simply follow the same steps as you would if you were using a regular brush. The Brushy Brush comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes that can be used for anyone in the family. If you are tired of the using many containers of drain clear to clear your clogged pipes get yourself the Brushy Brush!

Middle School Winners

Middle School Winners 1st Place

Team : The Wheel Barrel Team:

School: Amana Academy 

County: Fulton
Students: Melissa Gill-Marquez, Annie Sunderland, and Faria Panwala, 8th Grade

Teacher: Salwa Varachhia

Abstract:

Our team is solving one of the UN's Sustainable Global Goals, “Clean Water and Sanitation." One of the countries we are trying to target with our solution would be Sudan. This country has suffered with dehydration issues and famine nationally. According to the Huffington Post, “Tens of thousands of refugees fleeing war in Sudan are struggling to find enough water to drink and cook with, leading to the deaths of an unknown number from dehydration and diarrhea.” These problems are caused by transportation and sanitation dilemmas. To ease the hardship of all of these problems, we have created “The Wheel Barrel”. Our invention starts out by solving the transportation issue. Instead of having children and adults walk miles to carry barely a bucket of water on their backs, our barrel would use rolling automation to transport water. Our design is in the shape of a wheel barrow, but we have replaced the barrow with a “barrel” which would carry 90 liters of water. However, this is not the only benefit. While the person is rolling the “Wheel Barrel”, it will be purifying all of the water. The way it would work would be by having solar panels lining the barrel. This power would be transformed from radiant energy into electrical energy which would power UV lights inside the barrel, sanitizing the water. The water would be protected from the lights using glass so that there is no direct contact with the water ensuring no potential harm. Overall, “The Wheel Barrel” is the best option to solve the problem of “Clean Water and Sanitation.”

2nd Place Middle School Team:

Team: My Eco Water 
School: Amana Academy 

County: Fulton
Students: Asim Bharde, Mohamad Hashem, and Austin Braverman, 8th Grade

Teacher: Salwa Varachhia

Abstract:

Our invention is called My Eco Water. It uses Solar Panels, UV Lights and Coal to clean and filter water in countries so they can have clean water. Our technology is based off of energy conversions. We have a total of three energy conversions. Our energy conversions consist of: radiant to chemical energy; chemical to electrical energy; and electrical to radiant energy. The conversion of radiant to chemical energy happens because of solar panels. The light from the sun hits the solar panels and powers a battery where the energy is stored. When the energy goes from chemical to electrical energy the power that is stored in the battery is converted to electrical energy when it passes through wires. Energy transfers from electrical to radiant because the electricity powers the UV Lights. Once the UV Lights are powered, the water filtering process has begun. The UV Lights clean the water by penetrating and killing 99.99% of all harmful microorganisms in the water. The process can filter about 12 gallons per minute. With more UV Lights per station we could clean more water per minute. After the water is cleaned, water is almost ready for drinking. While people dispense their water from the station, the water goes through a second filtration process. This process includes the use of granular charcoal. Granular charcoal works by removing both harmful chemicals and bad odors. Then the water simply comes out the twist-able spout. There is also an indicator that allows one to know how much water is in the tank, is the water safe at the end of its process and, if everything is working inside the tank such as all the lights and filter.

3rd Place Middle School Team:

Team: DCR Skate 
School: Edwards Middle School 

County: Rockdale
Students: Cody Burton, Deshon Jones, and Rajan Rose, 8th Grade

Teacher: Lynette Clark

Abstract:

DCR Skates is a portable and affordable product to get you from place to place. The problem with skateboarding is that most skateboards do not have effective break systems to provide safe landings. Our skateboard helps stop the conflict between fun and safety. Skateboards are damaged because of the constant breaking and we are creating a break system to make boards safer and to preserve them.

High School Winners

1st Place High School Team:

Team: Noise X 
School: Walton High School 

County: Cobb
Students: Michael Kim, Harry Cain, and Jack Bugbee, 10th Grade

Teacher: Ann Baxley

Abstract:

Millions of students struggle with ADHD or similar attention disorders. These students, along with countless others, have trouble maintaining focus while in the classroom. Various, annoying noises within the classroom are especially distracting. Our product, NoiseX, attempts to alleviate distracting noises present in learning environments. Our design consists of a pair of isolating earphones equipped with advanced filtering technology that eliminates frequency-specific noises. The earphones feature a moldable silicon bud that increases the isolation between the user and his or her environment. A highly sensitive condenser microphone is included within the earphones that gives students the ability to record specific noises that are distracting them by recording its dominant frequency range. A mobile application connects to NoiseX via Bluetooth. Using the corresponding NoiseX app, students can control the volume level of specified frequency ranges that are saved within the app. A small noise gate, contained in a small compartment attached to the device, will then silence the given frequencies, effectively removing the distracting sounds from the user’s environment. NoiseX would be very easily marketed to large school systems and individuals, tremendously reducing the number of students that have trouble focusing and learning in school.

2nd Place High School Team:

Team: Wedge Tech 
School: Living Science School 

County: Private Hybrid in Cherokee County
Students: Everett Apple and Claire Crose, 10th Grade

Teacher: Michelle Crose

Abstract:

At our school we have observed that stacks of folding chairs tend to fall over and cause disruptions including minor injuries and distractions in the middle of class. This was annoying to both teachers and students because it interrupted valuable time and created more work. Our goal was to create a way to keep folding chairs stacked upright against the wall. We wanted our product to not only solve our problem, but also be portable, inexpensive, and easy to use. The basic concept we came up with was a pair of horseshoe shaped wedges that slid around the legs of the last folding chair in a stack. In addition to the initial shape, we added a rubberized surface to the bottom in order to increase friction and prevent the chairs from sliding. Our test results show that with our product people can stack more folding chairs at a greater angle without worrying about them falling. Our solution was very successful, and it accomplished our original goal.

3rd Place High School Team:

Team: ReVitalize 
School: Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology 

County: Rockdale
Students: Briana Gordon and Rajuan Nelson, 12th Grade

Teacher: Dametria Williams

Abstract:

With the consumption of water bottles increasing at alarming rates, equating to a total of 10.9 billion gallons in 2016 alone, environmentalist are concerned about the adverse effects of the ever-growing water bottle industry. The purpose of ReVitalize is to disinfect the polyethylene terephthalate and provide further minerals to the water inside the bottle, to prevent the premature disposal of millions of water bottles. The ReVitalize capsule is a gelatin capsule filled with elements (fluoride, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonates) that will naturally purify and provide lost nutrients to the water. The experimental portion consisted of two phases. The first part was to test the bacteria present in store bought, plastic water bottles, both before and after being in contact with the human mouth. The next phase was used to test the bacteria content after the ReVitalize pill was mixed with the water. The resulting effect of ReVitalize was significant on the elimination of bacterial growth within the water bottle and restoring the quality of water closer to that of pure water. This capsule is groundbreaking due to the millions of gallons of water that will be saved for human consumption from the insertion of the bottles into landfills, and the reduction of PET bottles entering prematurely into landfills.

For more information visit: http://inventurechallenge.gatech.edu/

1st Place High School Award:Team: Noise X School: Walton High School Students: Michael Kim, Harry Cain, and Jack Bugbee
2nd Place High School Award: Team: Wedge Tech School: Living Science School Students: Everett Apple and Claire Crose
3rd Place High School Award:Team: ReVitalize School: Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology Students: Briana Gordon and Rajuan Nelson
1st Place Middle AwardThe Wheel Barrel Team:School: Amana Academy Students: Melissa Gill-Marquez, Annie Sunderland, and Faria Panwala
2nd Place Middle School AwardTeam: My Eco Water School: Amana Academy Students: Asim Bharde, Mohamad Hashem, and Austin Braverman
3rd Place Middle School Award:Team: DCR Skate School: Edwards Middle School Students: Cody Burton, Deshon Jones, and Rajan Rose
1st Place Elementary Award: Team: Bristles 4 Braces School: Pickett’s Mill Elementary School Students: Julia Oubre, Sofia Byrd, and Autumn Bell
2nd Place Elementary Award:  Team: Succulent Solution School: Nickajack Elementary School Students: Jonthan Fairgrieves and Riley Davis
3rd Place Elementary Award: Team: Brushy Brush School: Norton Park Elementary School Students: Samanatha Fransten, Lauren Nunez
IronCAD Award Team: Finger Eraser School: Matt Elementary School Students: Ellie Holmes, Brooke Mizer, and Ava Miller
TAG Manufacturing Award Team: Wedge Tech School: Living Science School Students: Everett Apple, Claire Crose
1st Place TeachersThe teachers (3) of the first place elementary, middle, and high school teams Ann Baxley (Walton High School), Salwa Varachhia (Amana Academy), Cassie Llewallyn (Pickett’s Mill Elementary) were recognized with a special certificate.