Students invent for the home

Domestic life is now easier thanks to students at Minden Elementary School.

Third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders and one first-grader spent two months working on about 185 projects for the school's second annual invention convention.

Stemming from their experience with household chores, many students invented more efficient ways to clean their homes.

Third-grader Alex Harker's Sink-O-Matic uses two hoses and a soapy concoction to clean the kitchen sink after a batch of greasy dishes.

"I was brainstorming with my mom, and she wanted me to make something that could clean the whole house," said Alex. "But I thought that would be too hard, so I just made a sink cleaner."

Fourth-grader Taylor Stokes' Mopp 'N Mitten can do what paper towel can't. A pair of terry cloth mittens with scrub pads sewn to the palms, the invention provides maximum leverage when scrubbing those hard-to-reach places.

Other inventions included an audio cook book, a holiday gift wrapping organizer and something for overheated food.

Third-grader Andrew Tuell said he came up with his Super Dinner Cooler after burning his tongue too many times. His cooler has two small electric fans inside it.

"It can cool turkey, potatoes, hot chocolate and coffee in a minute," said Andrew. "But one of the fans isn't working right now because it got caught in my sister's hair."

Third-grade teacher Lauren Hayes, who's coordinated the event for two years, said some of the inventions were amazing.

"I never had an invention convention when I was in school," she said. "I love the innovation and the stories behind the inventions."

Hayes helped about 32 judges from around the community evaluate the projects.

"I'm impressed," said Bennet Langlotz, a patent attorney from Genoa. "The students have followed their teachers' advice about keeping good notebooks and documentation of their inventions. They've also shown very good salesmanship and communication."