District 196 Students Ask “What If” and Then Invent the Answers

Perhaps District 196 fourth and fifth graders weren’t able to find a creative solution to stop the cold and wind outside, but inside the cafeterias of Dakota Hills Middle School and Eagan High school inventions such as a Bicycle Helmet Warmer, Boot and Mitten Dryer, Pencil Holder Glove, and Snow Stopper helped solve some of the problems presented by Minnesota’s harsh winters.

In his remarks prior to the awarding of blue ribbons to the students whose inventions ranked in the top ten, Jeff Holten, principal of Glacier Hills Art and Science Magnet School said, “We come together to celebrate athletic events all the time. What makes this event special is that it celebrates academic success and creativity.”

Volunteer judges, including teachers, parents and professionals in engineering professions evaluated student inventions and scored them in nine categories, including demonstrating what made their invention unique, different, or better and overall inventiveness.

Rosemount Elementary fifth grader Eric Watson invented the Wet Erase Magnet Coupon Clipboard that attaches to a grocery cart and has a detachable coupon holder because “otherwise you need about six hands”.

Rosemount student J. Andy Soileau invented the Table Setting Apron with pockets that hold dishes and silverware and gets the table-setting chore completed done in one trip.

Students who receive blue ribbons are eligible to enter their project in the metro-wide Young Inventors Fair held in April.

The names of all blue ribbon recipients will be posted on the District 196 website.