Students Show Off Inventions At School Convention In South Jersey
CINNAMINSON, NJ. (CBS) -- Student inventors in Burlington County, New Jersey presented their ideas to judges Wednesday in a long-running competition.
"I made it because I always lose my ChapStick," said first-grader Kailyn Bunnion.
Bunnion showed judges her ChapStick Bracelet, a fabric-wrapped bracelet that helps you know where your lip balm is at all times.
"It's sort of like a fashion design," she said, "because I made this one and it looks really cool whenever you wear it."
Kailyn's was one of 40 creations at the Cinnaminson Public Schools Invention Convention. Coordinator Elaine Mendelow created the competition 31 years ago.
"It's creative. It's problem solving," Mendelow said. "And it really makes the kids think. And they have this innate curiosity."
Mendelow says students throughout the district voluntarily submit their creations.
"They do a survey asking people would they buy this invention," she said. "What's the value of it? They get points for uniqueness."
Other student inventions included floating sunglasses, a belt with carabiners to keep you from tripping over the vacuum cleaner cord, and a sheet to help dogs with short legs do their business in deep snow.
Winners get prizes donated by local businesses and qualify for a regional competition.
