Idaho Invention Convention this weekend in Moscow

Dozens of North Idaho's top young inventors are at the University of Idaho in Moscow for the Idaho Invention Convention this weekend.

First- through 12th-graders from the Canadian border south to Moscow showcased their innovations during the North Idaho Regional Invention Convention at the Silver Lake Mall in January.

Winners of that contest are now sharing their ingenuity with judges at the state level, competing for the chance to advance to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Michigan later this year.

"Idaho is full of talented and bright young learners, and this celebration of invention gives students the opportunity to share what they have created," said Beth Brubaker, coordinator of the Idaho Invention Convention. "This competition gets students involved in authentic, project-based learning while demonstrating creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking — all important 21st century skills."

The invention displays are open to the public and media at the University's Integrated Research and Innovation Center at 685 Line St. today from 9 to 11 a.m. A patent presentation, hosted by Jeremy Tamsen of the Office of Technology Transfer at the university, will take place from 10 to 11 a.m.

The award ceremony, hosted by comedian and engineer Gary Bright of the national television series "Tomorrow Show," will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Winning young inventors are invited to display their inventions for legislators, the public and media from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during Invent Idaho Day at the Idaho State Capitol on March 16. Gov. Brad Little is expected to be in attendance at Invent Idaho Day.

North Idaho students who qualified to compete this weekend:

Working Models: Best of category: Blake Brooks, Garwood Elementary

Grades 1-2: Aria Von Hill,Hayden Meadows; Taylor McDonald, Borah

Grades 3-4: Alvia and Analise Garcia, Anna Torgenson, Hayden Meadows; Maci Coy, John Brown Elementary

Grades 5-6: Paige Reif, Selle Valley Charter; Scarlette Klugston, Garwood; Magnus Rants, North Idaho STEM

Grades 7-8: Titus Zohner, Caden Robinett, Josh Leonard, North Idaho STEM

Jules Verne Best of category: Halle Wyman, Selle Valley Charter

Grades 1-2: Elle Sousley,Sorenson; Harper Gibbar, North Idaho STEM; Mason Engberson, Hayden Meadows

Grades 3-4: Mia Stroh, Garwood; Kelby Livley, Kailyn Howard, Hayden Meadows

Grades 5-6: Gabriel Herron, Grant Chouinard, Forrest Bird Charter; Cash Lund, Garwood

Grades 7-8: Ben Simmons, North Idaho STEM

Games and Gadgets Best of category: Jonathan Gagliardi, NEXA

Grades 1-2: Benjamin Gagliardi, NEXA; Ewan Case, Ramsey

Grades 3-4: Charlotte Hober, Skyway; Savannah Tidd and Anna Pyle, Hayden Meadows; Griffin Carpenter, Prairie View

Grades 5-6: Aune Dawson, Winton; Aly Jessop, Twin Lakes; Harrison Hunter and Ethan Applegate, Twin Lakes

Adaptations Best of category: Caleb Adams, Garwood

Grades 1-2: Maelianna LaPresta, Annilese Chavez, North Idaho STEM; Virgina Garey-Watson, Skyway

Grades 3-4: Carter Tuck, Hayden Meadows; Kaitlyn Martin, Greensferry; Cadyn Leonard, John Brown

Grades 5-6: Irelynn Jolley, Forrest Bird; Sierra Sheppard and Serenity Horner, Winton; Winston Wade, Selle Valley

Grades 7-8: Jessalyn Myers, Lillian Moser, Rachel Zemzars, North Idaho STEM

Non-Working Models Best of category: Isabelle Platt, North Idaho STEM

Grades 1-2: Joshua Wyrick, Dalton; Bentley Waldo, North Idaho STEM; Gretchen Taylor, Sorenson

Grades 3-4: Pierce Stringham, Dalton; Julianna Schwam, LAM/independent; Elizabeth McCormick, Skyway

Grades 5-6: Taylor Burrows, Selle Valley; Nadia Chavez, North Idaho STEM; Colter Cates, Selle Valley

Grades 7-8 Mackenzie Brown, Samantha Laird, Landon Orchard, North Idaho STEM

High School Champion: Grace Gardiner, North Idaho STEM

Best of show, grades 1-4: Rory Spurway, Garwood; grades 5-8: Catherine Roco, North Idaho STEM