Sparking Innovative Ideas

This year, Laura’s science classes at One Spark Academy are focusing on innovation! We started the year with a study of biomimicry…a relatively “new” science where designers, scientists, and engineers use nature’s models to solve human problems. (We even made the news!) In Session 2, students were asked to come up with an invention, and many drummed up ideas that solve some common, everyday frustrations. Here’s a look back at what the students created!

(PS: Stay tuned for their Ventura County Science Fair projects in March!)

[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”left” height=”150″ width=”150″]https://www.onesparkacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Image.jpg[/image_frame]Aidan had a problem to solve. He goes walking with his mom and their dog, but his mom recently had surgery. What to do? Can your dog help you carry your cellphone and keys when you don’t have pockets?  With a cellphone bandana, yes. It’s a hands-free way to hold the leash or to catch oneself in case of a fall. Aidan also thought it made his dog stylish and helpful.  He did discuss the idea that the weight put in a bandanna should be considered based on the size of the dog.  He doesn’t want dogs harmed, but knows they like to be helpful.

[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”left” height=”150″ width=”150″]https://www.onesparkacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Image-3.jpg[/image_frame]Amara invented the idea of Shoap. Her concern about the environment combined with her creativity led her to design a shampoo bottle made out of soap, thus reducing the need for plastic.  The lid would be made out of a compostable material that would last the life of the bottle.  Amara noted that she likes liquid shampoo, but her parents have a shampoo soap that lasts longer than her liquid shampoo.  So, to make her liquid shampoo last longer, she could use the bottle for body soap.  She gave facts about the pollution in the ocean and how it harms the fish.

[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”left” height=”150″ width=”150″]https://www.onesparkacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Image-5.jpg[/image_frame]Aryel’s idea was to improve the safety of cars and reduce the number of accidents on the road.  Cars would have a magnetic forcefield that would not allow them to go into other lanes of traffic, if there was another car.  The cars would repel each other.  Great thinking!

[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” height=”150″ width=”150″]https://www.onesparkacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Image-8.jpg[/image_frame]Sophia, who loves to ride, considered the comfort of the animal. She dreamed up a gel type of pad for the horse’s back.  It would be attached to the saddle, and provide comfort and ease to the horse.

[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”left” height=”150″ width=”150″]https://www.onesparkacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Image-9.jpg[/image_frame]Maya created a commercial that was for her motorized boogie board.  The idea was to help those who were fighting currents, and needed assistance.  She mentioned that you won’t always want to use the motor, but if you drifted off or needed help, it would be available.  She used what she learned from PAX to assist her in her project.

[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” height=”150″ width=”150″]https://www.onesparkacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Image-12.jpg[/image_frame]This young lady is asked to wear reflective clothing at night when she goes bike riding, so she created a new line of clothing that is more appealing to youth.