Edison Smiles on his 6th Annual Invention Contest

The Thomas Edison Invention Contest is all about having young folks learn how to integrate alternate energy concepts into problem solving. Back in 1910 Edison was championing the use of solar energy as a clean form of energy. As usual, the great inventor was way ahead of the curve. As you read below, both elementary and high school contestants came up with some creative solutions for the 2016 contest whose theme was …. “use alternative energy to create an invention for a population that had experienced a natural disaster”.

In the Elementary & Middle School Category

1st Place–Freehold Intermediate School: STEM STARZ

New Jersey

STEM STARZ justified using the “power of 3” to aid in disaster relief missions focusing on solar, wind and hydro energy.

2nd Place–Linwood Middle School: STEMINISTS

New Jersey

The team created a device that would send an alarm to an underprivileged or over populated area that is accustomed to floods or earthquakes.

3rd Place–Heritage Middle School: Swagmasters Tech

New Jersey

Project was called “Turbo Turbine” which aids in flood disasters. The team designed these turbines to be placed in sewers so during floods, the running water would still transfer energy to affected areas.

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In the High School Category

1st Place–Hackettstown High School: Tiger Team 2

New Jersey

Method for charging aerial drones during flooding situations. The boats would contain various charging stations for the drones to charge while other drones continue dropping supplies such as food and water to flood victims until help can reach their location.

2nd Place–High Point Regional High School: The Composters

New Jersey

Plans to place turbines in sewer systems to generate power during floods.

3rd Place–Chaney Stem Campus: D.R. Responsers

Ohio

Their designs use turbines to generate power for emergency service facilities.

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A hearty well-done to all participants, especially the winners. Edison would be smiling at your efforts.

Here are the stats for this year’s contest: 84 student teams comprised of approximately 300 students, from 29 schools scattered over 6 states, competed for honors-and all of the competition was done virtually, with students submitting their work electronically to a panel of judges from the scientific/engineering community.

All student winners have received plaques. First place winning schools have received 3D printers, and second and third place winners will receive prototyping kits for use in the classroom.

Thomas Edison said … “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

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