Student inventors from Liberty Intermediate honored for state and national competition advancement

The Ottumwa Community School District recognized Liberty Intermediate students who advanced in the University of Iowa Invention Convention program, celebrating projects that moved from district participation to state and national competitions.

Maria, a teacher who introduced the students, said 75 sixth- and seventh-graders participated in the district's TAG (talented-and-gifted) invention curriculum. Mrs. Erinson, the Liberty Intermediate TAG teacher, told the board that 13 students qualified for the Iowa state convention and that 11 students advanced to the U.S. nationals in Dearborn, Michigan.

Three students presented prototypes to the board. Gavin Stout described the "GS Solo Stride," which he said is "a crutch for a one-handed person" designed to allow one-handed users to move comfortably while using a crutch. Claire Lane demonstrated "Footy Life," an adaptive shoe-and-sock system intended to reduce pain and rubbing for people with bunions who are not yet eligible for surgery. Charles Smith, a seventh-grade, dual-enrolled student, presented a drill-powered hydrant tool he said would let firefighters open stuck or frozen hydrant caps without risking back injuries; Charles cited a statistic he said showed 43% of fire-ground injuries stem from strains and sprains.

Board members congratulated the students and thanked teachers and support staff for enabling student participation at regional and national competitions. Presenters emphasized that the program teaches prototyping, presentation and networking skills; Mrs. Erinson noted the curriculum enables students to engage with professionals including representatives from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at nationals.

The recognition concluded with appreciation from the board and an invitation for the students to remain for the rest of the meeting or leave as they wished.