Gifted Students Throw Invention Convention

Every other year, the fourth and fifth grade STRETCH gifted students in the Mehlville School District become inventors. They identify a problem, invent something that solves the problem, take copious notes and test the product for its intended use.

The final step is to display the project and its data at the Invention Convention, which was held Thursday at the Witzel Learning Center on Lemay Ferry Road.

About 135 inventions filled the gym and classrooms on the second floor of the Witzel Center last night. Winners from several categories, chosen during a mid-day meeting of judges, sported ribbons and certificates.

The display was a vast collection of clever ideas and the use of problem-solving techniques. The wide scope of topics included specialized dog-walking equipment, a one-piece hockey gear outfit, a magnetic wristband to hold nuts and bolts and foam rubber slacks for making rollerskating less painful.

“The Invention Convention was designed to encourage students to apply basic science skills in a creative and productive manner,” according to the STRETCH program guidelines. 

The STRETCH staff members who assisted the young inventors and guided them through the discovery and development process were Director Scott Hayes, Linda Kernen, Mary Chura, Erin FitzWilliam, Kelly Seim and Julie Ziegler. All are specialists in working in the district’s gifted program and work to excel in bringing out the best in their students.

Students, parents, grandparents, friends and staff members filled the halls, gym and classrooms. Most took the time to peruse the displays and read the accompanying paperwork. The proud young inventors were happy to explain their ideas and research techniques to the visitors.