Fourth Graders Invent for Impact

Though they’re only in fourth grade, these girls are already entrepreneurs. Through innovation, collaboration, and creativity, the fourth graders spent weeks planning and creating their very own inventions to solve a problem using the skills they learned in class. 

Some of these inventive projects included the “Drop Claw” which helps pick objects up off the ground without having to bend down, the “Light-up Organizer” to help students sort their school supplies in style, and the “Trash Catcher” which makes sure all the trash ends up in the can and not on the floor. 

Harper Fyke, one of the inventors of the “Trash Catcher,” said her team experienced some challenges while building, but learned to persevere and find another solution.

“It took some trial and error to get it to the right size,” she said.    

Building the project was just the first step. Once the girls completed their inventions, each group prepared a pitch for three judges, also known as sharks, to show off their hard work and sell their product. These pitches feature fun slogans, dances, and well-rehearsed presentations.

One of the judges, Assistant Head of School Hilary Robinson ’90, has been a shark for several years and enjoys witnessing the students’ creativity firsthand. 

“I like to hear more about their process and how they come up with their ideas,” she said. 

Once the judges meet, they announce a winner for the best overall invention, and this year, the “Get-2-Sporty,” invented by Hannah Randle, Julia Richmond, and Wynnie Uhlhorn, took home the medal. This product is an innovative alternative to playing your favorite sports all at once. With a built-in soccer rebounder using an incline plane and a reinforced backboard for a better basketball experience, this invention lets students play soccer and basketball simultaneously. 

While brainstorming and creating their product, Hannah, Julia, and Wynnie learned some valuable lessons about teamwork and determination. 

“Teamwork is key. Always try again. Cooperation is necessary,” the girls said.  

North Campus STEAM Coordinator and coordinator of this project, Mrs. Carrie Ruhland, echoes the importance of trying again to overcome obstacles. 

“They learn perseverance. They had to rally and figure out some hard challenges,” Mrs. Ruhland said. “We teach the girls the engineering design process where they plan, build, adjust, and follow this cyclical process.”

Eloise Hill helped create the “Pick-It Upper” and learned that the most important tool isn’t a screwdriver; it’s something found on St. Mary’s Bridge to Caring: cooperation. 

“At the end of the day, we all worked together and made this amazing invention,” Eloise said. 

Story by Wallis Rogin '25 and photos by Anna Osias.