Kid Inventors – It’s Your Time to Shine … Got an Idea?
Many of the people you read about who have made contributions to society through invention all started with something very simple – an idea. Then they put that idea into action. Through trial and error they worked it out and so can you. If you can think of a better way to do things or create an invention that saves money, time or even lives – it’s time to get started.
Don’t ever believe that teens can’t change the world – one idea at a time. In fact, throughout history teens have impacted the way we conduct business and changed lives through their inventions.
One example is Chester Greenwood who was born in Farmington, Maine in 1858. Greenwood was a grammar school dropout, who at the young age of 15 invented earmuffs out of pure necessity (1873). As he tested a new pair of ice skates, he wanted to protect his ears from the bitter cold. First he tried wrapping his head in a scarf, which proved to be too bulky and itchy. He then made two ear-shaped loops from wire and asked his grandmother to sew fur on them. He patented an improved model with a steel band which held them in place and with Greenwood’s Champion Ear Protectors. He established Greenwood’s Ear Protector Factory. He made lots of money supplying Ear Protectors to U.S. soldiers during World War I. He later patented more inventions.
In 1977, Maine’s legislature declared December 21 “Chester Greenwood Day” to honor a native son and his contribution to cold weather protection.
Farmington Maine is now the Earmuff Capital of the World. There is a parade that celebrates Chester’s birthday the first Saturday in December, with local police cruisers in the parade decorated as giant earmuffs.
Here is his patent:
Did you know that the often favorite summertime treat – Popsicles was created by a kid?
Frank Epperson invented the Popsicle in 1905 when he was only 11 years old. It was called the Epsicle back then. He left his drink outside on the porch overnight with the stir stick in it. That night the temperature dropped and froze things, including his drink. That didn’t stop him from tasting it. Eighteen years later Frank began his own business selling Epsicles in several fruit flavors. Later, his children changed the name. Just over 1 billion, yes billion, Popsicles are eaten in the United States each year. Apparently orange is the top flavor.
For a more modern day look at young inventors, here are a couple of examples.
Allan Chu was 17 years old, when he invented a way to speed up the Internet! Tired of how slow it can be, he took matters into his own hands. He invented an algorithm which will compress data and allow information over the Internet to be presented to you much more quickly. An algorithm is a step by step mathematical procedure that solves a problem especially by a computer. He entered a math, science and technology competition and won first place and $3,000!
Time to Get Started!
Each year there’s hundreds of summer camps designed to get young inventors going on the path towards the next big invention. Visit Invent Now to find Camp Invention programs in your area.
Take advantage of the organizations, programs, and mentors ready to help you get started. All you have to do is believe in yourself, get your idea on paper, and test, test, test. Get help from your teacher, parents, mentor, or programs to get your invention underway.
Here are a few more resources to get you started:
Web Resources:
Academy of Applied Science
The Academy is recognized nationally as an educational resource center offering enrichment programs for students, and professional development for teachers and educational administrators.
www.aas-world.org
National Museum of Education In Partnership for America’s Future, Inc.
A non-profit educational organization, the Museum helps students and teachers turn their inventions into products. It also offers numerous contests and a Young Inventors Hall of Fame.
www.nmoe.org
ExploraVision Awards
ExploraVision is a competition for students of all interest, skill, and ability levels in grades K-12. The purpose of the competition is to encourage students to combine their imaginations with the tools of science to create and explore a vision of a future technology.
www.exploravision.org