The emphasis on STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math — has been growing in educational institutions in recent years because of the current and future demand for workers in these industries. Thanks to a local competition sponsored by University of South Florida, students in Plant City have been encouraged to follow their technological dreams and change the world with new ideas.
USF sponsors the Young Innovator Competition for students in grades three through eight. Sandy VanOosten, who teaches gifted math and science for multiple grades at Walden Lake Elementary School, requires her students to enter the contest.
Throughout the year, she carries out the theme of the science of invention in a number of additional ways in her classroom, such as research projects and guest speakers.
“(Because) children are always so curious, it’s natural for them to come up with inventions,” VanOosten said.
Sixty-three students from Walden Lake entered the Young Innovator Competition this year, and seven placed in the top 50. But one fifth-grader in VanOosten’s class, Zachary Shinneman, excelled even further and was a finalist in the top 10. His invention addressed some of his concerns for safety and environmental protection.
One day, Shinneman and his family were driving down the highway, and he saw something that disturbed him.
He noticed the abundance of debris on the side of the road, and asked his mother, Tricia Shinneman, who was responsible for cleaning it up. She explained to him that volunteers or workers who are paid in tax dollars usually walk along the roadsides to clean.
“I thought that seemed kind of dangerous,” Shinneman said.
The idea for the Highway Sweeper was born. Shinneman used engineering software to design a truck that collects roadside debris without putting pedestrian workers at risk.
He later discovered this was an even more important issue: Last year, 13 people died in Florida as a result of being hit while cleaning along roadways.
“I love the way Zachary saw a need that needed to be fulfilled to protect our environment and to make collecting trash on the road more concise and precise,” VanOosten said.
Shinneman designed a 4-foot-long prototype of his invention. As a top 10 applicant, he also was required to give a presentation.
The organizers of the Young Innovator Competition sent him and the nine other finalists to Home Shopping Network’s studio, where they worked with professionals and got feedback on their presentation skills.
Shinneman gave his presentation on the Highway Sweeper and then received a medal and certificate at an awards ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 11 — Thomas Edison’s birthday — at USF. He also received a Bluetooth speaker and an annual family pass to MOSI.
Shinneman expects to continue participating in the Young Innovator Competition, even after he leaves VanOosten’s classroom.
“He’s constantly thinking of things to improve or invent,” Tricia said.
LOCAL SEMI-FINALISTS
These students from Plant City-area schools placed in the top 50:
Christian Bentrovato, Beef Bubbles for Dogs
Crystal Estrada, No Bugs About It
Andrew MacDonald, Water Wake Up Call
Annabelle Salveson, Hourglass Stop Light
Andrew Smith, Automatic Washer
Carson Sweat, Safe-T-Wallet
Aidan Marino Vaughan, Powered Pet Feces Remover
Case Watson, Lighter and Wick Cutter
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.
