AHCS Invention Convention Club

04/19/2026

A 17-year-old turned to beetroot juice to tackle a problem the medical world has struggled with for years: detecting infections in wounds without costly technology.

In 2021, Iowa high school student Dasia Taylor created surgical stitches that change color when a wound becomes infected. By coating thread with beetroot extract, a natural pH indicator, the sutures shift from bright red to dark purple as bacteria raise the wound’s pH levels. She designed the innovation to be low-cost and accessible for hospitals in developing countries that lack advanced monitoring tools. Taylor was named a Top 40 finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, received the Seaborg Award, and has since filed for a patent.

02/07/2026

In a remarkable display of youthful curiosity and scientific drive, a teenager from Maryland changed the conversation around medical testing. At just 15 years old, Jack Andraka developed a novel concept for a diagnostic tool designed to identify the early signs of a severe internal illness. His journey began with a personal loss, after a close family friend passed away from a condition that is often caught too late. This loss drove Jack to spend his free time researching the biology of the human body and the protein markers associated with cellular changes.
Using a combination of the internet and professional scientific journals, he identified a protein called mesothelin as a potential indicator of a health issue in its early stages. Jack’s breakthrough was the creation of a simple paper sensor. By coating basic filter paper with microscopic carbon nanotubes and specific antibodies, he designed a strip that reacts when it comes into contact with even tiny amounts of mesothelin in a fluid sample. This dipstick-style test proved to be significantly faster and more affordable than the standard clinical methods used at the time.
While his idea was innovative, Jack faced many hurdles. He reached out to 200 different researchers asking for laboratory space to test his theories, only to be rejected by 199 of them. Finally, a professor at Johns Hopkins University recognized his potential and provided him with the necessary facilities. In 2012, his hard work was rewarded when he won the top prize at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Jack’s story has inspired schools and communities to encourage young people to pursue their own big ideas. By showing that a motivated student can use available information to tackle global challenges, he highlighted the importance of open access to scientific knowledge. His invention represents a step toward a future where health monitoring is more accessible for everyone, proving that determination can truly lead to a brighter path.

01/30/2026

Did you know The Henry Ford has a Kahoot! Academy channel? Discover exciting games to learn about invention and unlock students’ innovative mindsets, including the course “Becoming an Inventor” featuring a series of fun and engaging Kahoot! quizzes to introduce learners to the invention process and help them along their journey to create an invention. https://bit.ly/3WegZl3

01/30/2026

English Muffin Pizzas
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Slice the English muffins in half and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce evenly over each half, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni. Finish with a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning if desired.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. A fun, easy meal that’s perfect for kids to help make and always a hit.

01/24/2026

01/24/2026

It’s On Baby! Eastern Idaho Regional Invention Convention!

01/15/2026

12/14/2025

12/12/2025

Greetings Inventors and Inventor Parents, There is Invention Convention meeting Today from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. It is not necessary to stay the full time but I need everyone to check in with me on their progress and any questions or needs that I can assist you with. I have handed out journals, binders and posterboards to the club members this past week. Bring your Inventor's Journal, Binder and Poster Boards. Come to the Title I room in the Elementary School. It is GO TIME!

11/12/2025

There is a Invention Convention meeting this Friday 11/14/2025. Time of meeting is 12:00 - 1:30 pm. See you There!