STA Wins Big at KC Invention Convention
April 16, 2024
St. Teresa’s Academy students swept the 9th-10th grade division at the Kansas City Invention Convention sponsored by the Linda Hall Library. Out of more than 70 teams and 200 students in the division, STA brought home first, second and third place with the inventions below.
Students are responsible for coming up with their own concept and creating a process that includes identifying a problem, conducting market research, creating prototypes and display boards, and pitching their ideas to professionals. Faculty members serve as advisors during the process.
1st Place – EcoMotion
Freshmen Lillianne B. and Erin B. will compete in the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals competition in Michigan in June. Their EcoMotion invention, which earned first place in its division, is a device that harnesses the energy created when someone pedals their bike and turns it into useable energy that allows the user to charge their phone while biking. Each team member also won $500. (Faculty Advisor: Renee Blake)
2nd Place – AromaDesk
AromaDesk, by freshmen Jane D., MaryRyan O. and Cecilia S., earned second place in the 9-10 division. This invention uses aromatherapy as part of a study desk to help students experiencing stress and focus issues. Each team member won $300. (Faculty Advisor: Mary Montag)
3rd Place – LOCKED
LOCKED, by Emma C., Channing M. and Lily R., earned third place in the division. This invention is a phone app designed to eliminate phone use while driving and prevent distractions/accidents. Each team member earned $150. (Faculty Advisor: Sarah Stranz)
In addition, two teams and faculty member Mary Montag won special awards as follows:
Future Shaper Award
The freshman team of Allie H., Kalvary R. and Lillian S. earned the Future Shaper Award, a competition among grades seven-10. Their invention, The Polluted Brick, is a brick for building and construction that is made of items, primarily clothing, that would ordinarily end up in a landfill. These students won $1,000 each. (Faculty Advisor: Sarah Stranz)
Convention’s Choice Award
The freshman team of Polly F., Clare K. and Addison M. earned the Convention’s Choice Award, which is the result of a ballot vote among convention participants, including inventors, family members, attendees and guests. Their invention, The Sole Shoe, is a shot with an interchangeable sole, enabling athletes in multiple sports to use the same shoe for different activities by changing out only the sole. These students won $500 each. (Faculty Advisor: Renee Blake)
Educator Appreciation Award
Faculty member and science teacher Mary Montag earned the Educator Appreciation award. This is given by Linda Hall Library programming staff to recognize exceptional educator support for invention education in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Montag was previously recognized by the Linda Hall Library for her role in the creation of the Kansas City Invention Convention.
The winning inventions’ presentation boards and prototypes are on display in the Linda Hall Library’s main reading room for one month.