CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — Two Auburn sixth grade students were recently honored for their creativity and ingenuity at the 11th annual RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, powered by The Henry Ford.
Ashley N. and Sarala M., both sixth-grade students from Auburn, received the WilmerHale Patent Application Award for their invention, the Sensor Safety Saddle.
The students were among more than 70 award-winning K-12 inventors recognized during the June 5 awards ceremony in Dearborn, Michigan. This year’s competition included 513 students from 30 states, with more than 80 awards presented, including cash prizes, trophies, medals and patent applications.
Ashley and Sarala’s invention was designed to improve safety for people with disabilities who participate in therapeutic horseback riding. The Sensor Safety Saddle alerts the rider or instructor when the rider is off balance, helping prevent falls.
Invention Convention programs are designed to help students develop as problem-solvers, inventors and entrepreneurs. Participants are challenged to create original solutions to real-world problems through hands-on, project-based learning.
Students competed at local and regional levels before advancing to the national competition. To participate, students submitted a video presentation, a prototype, an inventor’s logbook and poster board highlighting the invention process.
This year’s national inventions addressed issues related to accessibility, safety, energy, health, education and environmental sustainability.
