Our featured student inventor is Pahal Sah, who created a more useful backpack. Her idea won a national level award as part of the “Student Ideas for a Better America” competition organized by the National Museum of Education.
Here is Pahal talking about her invention in more detail.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Pahal Sah, a 5th Grade Quest student at Albert Einstein Elementary. I love reading books about mystery and fiction, arts and crafts, playing board games, and playing with friends! My favorite subjects are Reading and Social Studies, mainly because of the fun projects we have.
What is your invention and how does it work?
My Invention is the Fluffy Carrier 9000, and it is a backpack, a normal one, but with a few extra features. One of them is the wheels and handle, like a suitcase. Whenever you pull the handle, wheels pop out of the bottom. I also added an expandable pocket in the middle, and if you unstrap it, the other side turns into a blanket! There are many pockets for school supplies, and another great part is that the backpack itself is waterproof.
What inspired you to develop this invention?
Two problems inspired me – how wet backpacks got during rainy days, and that most of the time I couldn’t fit all my supplies in my bag at school. It was a real pain carrying my water bottle, folder, and lunchbox while trying to board a bus.
Did your prototype work? How was that experience?
Yes, my prototype worked! I made a bag using construction paper; the hardest part was shaping it. I’m pretty sure I used some cardboard for the base, and I decorated it with even more “pockets”. For the wheel, I taped a small circle and the handle, I used a piece of construction paper to sort that out. I was very happy at the end when my prototype looked like an actual backpack!
What are some things you learned from your MindAntix camp that will help you in the future?
To think out of the box and to be creative. Later, I will have to make my own ideas not copy them from other people. I really loved how we were supposed to make our own inventions!
Who is your favorite inventor and why?
I don’t really have a favorite inventor. All the inventors stand out to me!
What kind of problems do you want to solve in the future?
In the future, I want to solve the problems that are affecting nature such as Global Warming, helping save endangered animals, and more.
How will you use your prize money?
I actually haven’t thought about that…maybe to get something I really want? Or maybe I could use it to get a new game or book!
Congratulations Pahal for winning the award! We hope to see you solve bigger challenges in the future.