Imagine a house kept cooler simply because sunshine striking a window can trigger a solar-powered motor to lower the shades.  That's the genius behind nine year-old Nicholas Koelle's multiple award-winning "Solar Activated Automatic Shades" which wowed the judges April 30 at the CT Invention Convention (CIC).

The North Branford Totoket Valley Elementary School (TVES) fourth grader competed among 950 of the state's best students in grades four through eight in the 33rd annual CIC at UCONN's Gampel Pavilion and took home three prestigious corporate sponsor awards for his invention.  The impressive collection of awards also added up to an invitation from CIC for Nicholas to join a delegation of 46 young Connecticut inventors who'll represent the state at the National Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Expo in Washington, D.C., May 19 – 21.

During the CIC at UCONN, Nicholas' exceptional idea was honored with the Eversource Energy Award for best invention related to energy; the Lincoln Financial Presidential Award for best invention benefiting community and society, and was one of eight "Spirit of Innovation" winners selected by CT Science and Engineering Fair for best demonstrating innovation and application of technology.

TVES principal Kristine Lindsay said teachers at the school felt it was important to re-introduce the Invention Convention process to TVES students in recent years. In the past, TVES had mounted Invention Conventions as an extra-curricular activity, but participation fell after the 1990's.

"A few years ago,  the teachers wanted to get involved in the Invention Convention again," said Lindsay. "One of the reasons it wasn't happening here was that it is very time consuming. But the teachers felt strongly that it was important to bring it back, because so many students are hands-on learners and creative thinkers; but not necessarily the best test-takers. So we made it part of the curriculum; and the focus is on creative problem solving."

The Invention Convention process at TVES begins early in the year with students learning about the competition, brainstorming on ideas, presenting ideas, journaling, problem-solving, building and then presenting their finished inventions for the school-wide Invention Convention. The TVES 2016 Invention Convention was held March 18, when ten finalists were selected to compete at the state level, said fourth grade teacher and  TVES Invention Convention co-chair Shelly Thompson, who shares the role with fourth grade teacher Carrie Seiden.

"We have 139 fourth grade students here this year, and this is a mandatory event for all fourth graders," said Thompson. "They set up all of their inventions in the gym and judges from the community and school administration and staff volunteered. They interviewed each student and chose 20 to 25 semi-finalists. Then, a panel of judges listened to a one-minute pitch from each semi-finalist and selected ten finalists."

The ten finalists all went on to compete at the CIC on April 30. In addition to  Nicholas' winning invention, five TVES students were selected as "Recognized Inventors" at CIC for their creativity and innovation: Matthew Prato ("H20 2.0"  dual-compartment water bottle); Lindsey Onofrio ("No Wrap Swing Trainer" designed to perfect batting swing); Brooke Karpel ("Hot Cell" keeps cell phones warm and functioning in extreme cold); Emma Stadolnik ("The Dancer Dispenser" helps dancers keep looking their best during competitions), and Fredrick Vongher ("IOAS In, Out Air System" to enhance air filtration).  The five other esteemed TVES finalists competing on April 30 were Nicholas Cassella (Tutor Mover), Keana Criscuolo (Shot Box), Nicholas Pearson, (The Easy Filler Feeder) and Connor Stoner (Magnet-OO).

Lindsay said all 139 students who participated in the school-wide Invention Convention, and their supportive families, should be commended for their work.

"I'm so proud of all our students who participated, at whatever level is best for them. They're all inventors, they're all scientists and students who can be proud of their work," said Lindsay, adding, of  TVES's state-level winner, "Nicholas is walking around with a spring in his step. He sees himself now as a scientist and inventor, whereas before he may have just seen himself as a fourth grade student."

Nicholas' teacher, Jennifer Scasino, agreed. She asked Nicholas and another classmate who attended the CIC to tell their class what it was like at the big event.

"They both shared what the experience was like, and the kids got to ask questions," said Scasino. "Nick had one of his medals with him in his pocket and he felt comfortable sharing it with the class. This was great for him. We're so proud of him; and Nick has been so proud of his journey and his accomplishments."

According to its website, CIC is "....an award winning, internationally recognized, 501(c)(3) educational organization started in 1983 as part of the Connecticut Educators Network for the Talented and Gifted. The program is open to K-8 students statewide, and is designed to develop, encourage, and enhance critical thinking skills through invention, innovation and entrepreneurship."

Since CIC's inception, an estimated 300,000 children have experienced CIC invention programs at the local level. Each year, more than 15,000 students in grades K - 8 across the state, from over 200 participating schools participate in CIC; with the best 950 student inventors going on to state convention at UCONN.

CIC's next challenge is to raise funds to send this year's 46 deserving semi-finalists to compete at the National Invention Convention May 19 – 21.  Donations are welcome online at http://www.ctinventionconvention.org