Students from across the state show off their winning innovations at Illinois Student Invention Convention

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — At the South Side YMCA, students from across the state displayed their winning innovations at the Illinois Student Invention Convention.

On Saturday, 79 young student inventors showed off their winning innovations at 63rd and Stony Island. They are the winners from among more than 200 competitors state wide.

The types of inventions running a wide range — from the use of technology to track and help sustain Prairie land biodiversity, to an erasable highlighter.

Each invention from these young people comes with its own unique inspiration.

“The three of us play soccer. So, every season we have to pay for two pairs of shoes,” student Angel Acosta said.

Speaking for his team of 8th graders from Lincoln Elementary, Acosta described the function of what they call the “Shoe Switcher,” which allows for two different styles of cleats to be easily switched out on just one pair of uppers.

“So when you play on grass, you can damage the synthetic grass with this type of shoe. So, you need to buy two types of shoes — for natural grass, and those are for synthetic grass.”

Jungman STEM Magnet Elementary 4th grader Jazlynn Valladares said a family member is the inspiration behind her invention, the Tremble End 2.0. It’s a brace-like device worn over the wrist, hand and fingers.

“My grandpa had it. So, I decided to make an invention that will help him,” Valladares said.

“It helps people with trembling hands.”

The light-weight metal material helps reinforce the hand. Valladares is hoping her invention will be able to help a lot of people.

Thirty-four of the students showcased at the South Side YMCA will be selected to represent Illinois, against the nation’s best young inventors at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals.

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok