How does an idea go from just an idea to a product? That is just a part of what intrepid 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at Essex Elementary School (EES) explored leading up to the annual invention convention on Feb. 28. Just under 50 inventors tried to creatively solve problems from their everyday lives using analytic processes and trial and error. Judged by State Senator Art Linares, Jr., Elaine Blanck, Leigh Rankin, and Phil Miller, the invention convention was coordinated by the school’s 4th grade teachers.

“It’s been going on for about 15 years,” said Alicia Harvey, one of the coordinators of the event. “It’s a month-long process. The students come up with problems to solve and, using a STEM process, see if solutions are valid or not.”

In this case the STEM process—the application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—acts as a precursor to science fairs. Students are meant to choose problems that are meaningful to their lives. While things such as recycling and being green remain a theme, it also has them focus on age-level specific problems.

“It gets them excited and engaged,” said Harvey. “It covers so much of the curriculum—reading, writing, technology—and it puts it all together.”

“This is the first year that it was mandatory for the 4th graders,” said Principal Jennifer Tousignant. “This year we also get to send eight out of 48 students on to the regional competition next month. The hope is that some move on to the state level or national level.”

Last year an EES student went to Washington D.C. to compete at the nationals.

“Regional winners are also invited to the Board of Education meeting in May,” added Tousignant.

Harvey said the invention convention’s benefit as a supplement to the curriculum makes it more than just a fun event for participants.

“The independent problem solving is huge,” Harvey said. “Its part of being able to go through the scientific process, through trial and error. It’s learning how to be a learner.”

The students’ entries show that learning at work.

Fourth grader Jasmine Ferguson’s invention was Fast Facts, a board game to help students learn multiplication tables faster.

“I liked [the convention] very much,” said Ferguson, “because it helps you persevere so you don’t get discouraged. I almost didn’t finish in time, but I kept working on it anyway.”

“It really excited her to make something to help other kids learn and it built her confidence,” said Tiffany Greene, Ferguson’s mom. “In the past she didn’t like math, but I think this helped. I am glad she invented something educational.”

Shep Whitney, also in 4th grade, decided to tackle the problem of sometimes losing his sports equipment with a glow-in-the-dark hockey stick.

“At night I can’t see my hockey stick if I lose it, so I can’t play,” said Whitney.

Of the inventing experience, Whitney said, “I liked how you had to find a problem and figure it out. I liked being challenged like that.”

Aliza Cirillo, a 5th grader, also took on a practical problem, but aimed at being more eco-friendly, with her reusable bandage.

“Lots of bandages are used and I don’t like trash and pollution, so I wanted to make something reusable,” said Cirillo. “I liked making my invention and coming up with ideas. The hardest part was getting things ready on time. “

Sixth-grader Reagan Doyon was inspired by a recent experience skiing with her family for her invention, when her mom’s cell phone shut off from the cold. She invented the Therma Cover, a thermal sleeve that can hold a heating pack—or a cold pack in summer—so that electronics aren’t affected by extremes in temperature.

“This was my first time inventing,” said Doyon. “It was stressful, but fun.”

Mom Darcie Doyon was appreciative of the STEM experience provided by participating in the convention.

“This has them look at the world and look for solutions to problems,” she said. “They can try and fail, and then learn to persevere through that experience. They gain communication skills through having to present the projects. It’s a great experience.”

At the end of the night the judges left the room to talk about what they had seen and heard through the evening.

“I always look for a real problem that is not usually recognized,” said Miller, who has been a judge for 14 years.

The judges focus on presentation skills as well as the idea itself, and practicality. Overall, they were impressed with the different kinds of thinking that students displayed through their projects, but landed on the eight students who would continue through to the regionals.

Sixth-grader Kendra Cika’s Ultimate Package, a magnetic stapler, was selected, as was Reagan Doyon’s Therma Cover. Andrew Thomas, in 4th grade, invented a recyclable K-cup, and Grace Lunz, 4th grade, invented a Singing Top, a microphone cover to keep other people’s mouths, and germs, off of microphones. Fifth grader Noah Knickerbocker invented an EMF shield, a research-heavy project designed to block electric and radiative exposure from electronic devices. Fourth grader Finn Boyles was inspired by the needs of dogs and pets with sight or hearing disabilities, and tried to address the problem of how to keep them safe with this PFDDP, a device that uses alternate senses to help owners alert their pets to danger they might not see or hear. Fourth grader Aoife Collins impressed the judges with her thoughtfulness and research for her Lose Weight Plate, a plate with serving-sized compartments that encourages people to slow down while eating, reflecting scientific evidence that it takes 20 minutes for the stomach to signal the brain that it is full. To round out the eight, 4th grader Jack McPherson found a fun solution to the problem of “how to keep playing basketball at night” with his Glow Hoop, a glow in the dark basketball hoop and backboard.