By Angie Bousky

Students in Michelle Faye's fifth grade TAG class competed last month in the area Invention Convention. Nine students took their inventions to Skyline High School to demonstrate what can be done with a little imagination and thought.

Participating in the convention were: Michael Bousky, Ben Steinbruck, Tyler Coffey, Zachary Zabielski, Carla Temu, Emily Smedra, Jill Barrow, Daniela Villarrea and Archana Madhavan.

Students were required to invent a new product, build a prototype (preferably one that worked) and build a storyboard that explained and advertised their product. Students also estimated how much the production would cost, what to add for retail costs and how to market the product.

Inventions ranged from a soap bar with built in massage by Emity Smedra, to Ben Steinbruck’s computer system where homework would be e-mailed to the teacher and immediately graded.

Following the convention, Principal Julie McVickers reviewed all entries. The Principal's Award was given to Michael Bousky for his roll-on sunscreen. The Invention Convention is an annual event in the St. Vrain Valley School District; many local area schools were represented.