STA Students to Present at National Invention Convention

June 5, 2023

Today, three STA students from the Class of 2025 are preparing to present their award-winning invention at the Raytheon Technologies Invention Convention U.S. Nationals.

Gabriella C., Charlotte H. and Isabel G. are the creators of “Spoiler Alert,” a test strip placed inside cartons of consumable liquids such as milk or juice, that changes colors when it senses certain levels of bacteria, indicating spoilage. The students competed along with more than 230 Kansas City-area students from 13 schools in the Kansas City Invention Convention this April. The KCIC is a product of the Linda Hall Library, a leading independent science research library based in Kansas City that brings science, engineering, and technology to life in new and relevant ways. As showcase winners from the ninth- and tenth-grade age groups, the girls earned the right to compete at the national convention, which will be held at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, this week. The Spoiler Alert team is one of only four teams from the area to advance to the national competition.

“Invention Convention is a great concept,” said Mary Montag, STA science teacher. “It’s like ‘science fair meets Shark Tank.’ The competition uses skills not only from those strongest in science; it also encourages students to use their creative, entrepreneurial and presentation skills to showcase their ideas.” Montag noted how impressed she is with the students’ showing, especially given that this is their first year in the competition.

In addition to winning a regional award, Spoiler Alert was also named “Most Patentable” during the competition. Earlier this year, Montag was recognized by Linda Hall Library for her crucial role in the creation of the Invention Convention.

See media coverage on KSHB.

(l to r): STA science teacher Mary Montag along with students Gabriella C., Charlotte H. and Isabel G., creators of “Spoiler Alert” and regional award winners.