This past week, Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary was buzzing with creativity as fourth and fifth graders showcased their ingenuity at the annual Invention Convention Expo!
This exciting event at the core of the SAGE Program here at SCG, highlighted the hard work, problem-solving skills, and perseverance of the young inventors, who followed the engineering design process from brainstorming to final presentations.
Power of Iteration
Throughout the invention process, students engaged in iterative design — a cycle of testing, refining, and improving their ideas. Many students started with a broad concept, built prototypes, and made crucial adjustments based on challenges they encountered.
Stoked students sharing their invention with the community.
By practicing the fundamentals of engineering — identifying problems, designing solutions, testing prototypes, and refining based on results — students learned that innovation doesn’t happen on the first attempt. Instead, it takes persistence, flexibility, and a willingness to try again, and again, and again…
Learning from Each Other
A key part of the Invention Convention experience was peer review. Students shared their prototypes with classmates, received constructive feedback, and made improvements before the final showcase.
This collaborative approach not only strengthened their inventions but also helped them develop essential skills in giving and receiving feedback — an important aspect of real-world innovation.
Student Finalists
Gathering feedback from peers before the Expo.
The range of projects presented at the Expo was truly inspiring! Five finalists went on to the state Invention Convention Expo in Sacramento, CA April 12. Their projects not only solve a problem that many face today, but they also reduce human impact on the earth, a core focus in the SAGE Program here at SCG.
- Magnetic Box – Designed by Amaiya, 4th grade
Cardboard boxes will never be needed again with the invention of this reusable metal delivery box. This product reduces the seemingly endless need for delivery boxes.
- The Landslide 100 – Designed by Mitch ,5th grade
This sensor monitors potential landslide locations and wirelessly sends forecasts as to when a hillside may slip preventing injuries and property damage.
- The Micro Filter Pro – Designed by Henry, 5th grade
Prevent microplastics from even entering a watershed by installing this filter at every storm drain.
- The Resource Recycler – Designed by Lily and Audra, 5th grade
You will never need to buy a new piece of paper with this new home paper recycling machine that washes ink off paper and dries it so you can reuse it over and over. Even the water is reusable!
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From tackling everyday inconveniences to designing eco-conscious solutions, students demonstrated remarkable creativity and problem-solving skills. The Invention Convention Expo not only celebrated their hard work but also encouraged them to see themselves as future innovators and engineers.
School staff are proud of their efforts and can’t wait to see where their ideas take them next!
Thanks again to all the families, teachers, and community members who supported these young inventors.
Let’s look forward to another year of innovation and discovery!
TOP PHOTO: The exhibit hall was full of visiting classes and parents.
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Soquel Student Inventors Q&A
Capitola-Soquel Times reached out to students to learn about their inventions:
Leila Beckett
Main Street Elementary
Invention: Don’t Worry Backpacky
Describe your invention. What problem does it solve?
My invention is the Don’t Worry Backpacky. I am trying to help kids reduce anxiety, stress, and scared feelings while at school because they need to be able to put all their energy towards learning. I invented an anxiety-reducing backpack because it is portable, solves anxiety, and can be modified to fit anyone’s anxiety needs.
The Don’t Worry Backpacky is a regular backpack that is covered in fidgets and has a special stuffie friend. It also has a slot where your back rests for a hot or cold pack. The hot/cold pack can help reduce anxiety because when you think “I am so cold” or “I am so hot,” you are not thinking about your anxiety.
How did you get your invention idea?
I started by wanting to make an anxiety-reducing chair but then realized that anxiety can happen anywhere. So I decided to make something that can go anywhere, like a backpack. That way you are prepared for any scary feelings anywhere you go.
Who helped you?
My dad helped me with the technical stuff. My mom helped me find fidgets at Wonderland Toys. My dad also helped by taking me to the State Invention Convention in Sacramento and filming my video for the National competition.
Do you have advice for young inventors?
If you want to be an inventor, you have to make mistakes. Making mistakes helps you grow and fix problems with the invention. So keep trying even when things seem too hard.
Milo LaRiviere
Soquel Elementary
Invention: Condisha-Brush
Describe your invention. What problem does it solve?
The Condisha-Brush is a hairbrush with a bar of conditioner in it, and a hook for easy storage. The brush speeds up conditioning your hair in the shower. No conditioner bottle is needed, so it decreases plastic waste.
How did you get your invention idea?
It takes me a long time to brush my hair, and I was looking for a way to decrease the time.
Who helped you?
My parents helped me to think about the idea, they brought me to the store to buy supplies, and they helped me to make the video of Condisha-Brush.
Do you have advice for young inventors?
You can make a really useful invention out of simple things. Many people think about complex technology devices as an invention, but it can really be something simple that solves a problem.