Young inventors place third in the state

The group travelled down to Sydney last week where they presented their design to The University of Technology Sydney, toured the Data Arena and algae lab before presenting to the ICT Young Explorers two head judges at the software company SAP.

The five students presented for four minutes before being asked difficult questions by the two judges about their invention, but they say the experience, although challenging, was amazing.

“The experience was really incredible, it helped all of us with our presenting and with our confidence,” Ellia said.

Primary School teacher Brooklyn Boyle, who has been overseeing the project in preparation for the competition, said the students really applied themselves to the project. 

“They really worked hard on this and to come third in the state is amazing, we’re very proud,” she said.

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The TRICORDER (The Rain Indicator Recorder) was designed by the students to monitor rising flood waters at Rudders Lagoon, which can isolate the school and surrounding areas when it floods. 

“They’re an amazing group, and even away from the competition, this will benefit the community,” Ms Boyle said.

The students will now present the project to Kempsey Shire Council for their final approval before rolling out the device and beginning to collect data. After one year they will improve any design aspects and apply for funding from the Commonwealth Bank to make two more TRICORDER’s, to be placed at Gill and Green Wattle creek, which both run into Rudders Lagoon and cause flooding. 

They will then go back to the University of Technology Sydney and present their findings and analyse the data. 

The students are also working on a website and are hoping to develop an app that will allow the school to receive alerts from the flood monitoring system.

The students each received a $50 voucher and a certificate for placing and participating in the ICT Young Explorers Competition.