The most wonderful inventions that surprised the world were created during the course of searching for something more comfortable. World-famous inventor Thomas Edison invented an electric light bulb while he was looking for a safe and cheap alternative to the gas lamp. James Harrison created the first refrigerator after years of thinking about ways to store food over a long period of time. These examples suggest that a feeling of inadequacy and dissatisfaction are likely to lead to an innovative creation.
Recently, the National Student Science Invention Contest was held, marking its 37th anniversary this year. Students in middle and high school came up with their own inventions. Most of the items were innovative enough to surprise the spectators, most of whom were adults. The contest is an annual event hosted by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning. It’s designed to develop creativity in young students and to stimulate their scientific spirit. It’s one of the two biggest national science festivals, along with the National Science Fair. Both of the events bring together talented student inventors and scientists.
The 37th National Student Science Invention Contest honors Shin Dong-gyu (left) and Park Gyu-yeol for their dedication to bringing new innovations to the world. They received the presidential prize and prime ministerial prize, respectively.
Among the 301 winners in the contest were two top students: Shin Dong-gyu and Park Gyu-yeol. They won the presidential prize and prime ministerial prize, respectively. Shin, in his first year of high school at Duru High School, invented a device that can move around the water flow flowing from a tap. Park, in his second year of high school at Chungbuk Science High School, came up with the idea of creating a lighter, cheaper and portable microscope.
Presidential prize winner Shin Dong-gyu explains how his device works.
Shin Dong-gyu from Duru High School
You invented a device that can control water flow. Where did you get the idea for this?
One day I watched my cousin wash her kid’s hands at the sink. She lifted the kid up high on a step because the baby was too small to reach the faucet. She looked exhausted. I thought that things would be much better if we could move around the water flow in every direction. When I heard the news that there would be an annual science contest, I thought it might be a good chance to turn my plans into action.
It seems complicated. What was the biggest problem?
I failed a bunch of times. On my first try, I installed a paper cup that had the water pipe inside of it. According to my plan, it had to roll around to control the water flow, but it didn’t. I tried again with a plastic cup, and that failed, too. The device might look simple and easy to make, but it was never easy. After many failures, I tried again with a round-shaped acrylic cylinder. Finally, it worked. It moved every direction: left, right, up and down.
You produced another device following similar principles. Please tell us about it.
I thought it would be useful to clean a conical flask. The opening is usually very narrow and difficult to clean. I made it possible to draw out the water pipe like a tape measure to clean the flask. However, there are more things to do. I wish the pipe fitted better with the tap. Have you ever tried inline skating? There is a device that holds your feet tight. I need that type of controller.
What are your dreams for the future?
I am excited to study mathematics and science. I want to become a researcher and would like to produce products beneficial to our lives.
Park Gyu-yeol is in his second year of high school at Chungbuk Science High School. He received the prime ministerial prize for his lighter and more portable microscope.
Park Gyu-yeol from Chungbuk Science High School
People are surprised that a high school student invented a new type of microscope. What caused you to work on this type of invention?
When we performed experiments in science class, we were given one microscope per team of four students. It was large, heavy and difficult to handle. Also, as soon as we inspected an object through the lens, we had to give way to another member of the team. So I hoped that we could have one microscope per person.
I wanted to make a microscope with higher magnification and cheaper lenses. My invention required two exact same lenses and was designed to magnify an object using a lens that was already magnified by another lens. I used a glass material called a beam splitter along with the two lenses. It has the capability to reflect over half the amount of light it receives. Several reflections and magnifications finally make it into a functioning microscope. It is 18 centimeters high and weights 250 grams.
We can’t imagine how you came up with this. What inspired you?
I’ve kept an “idea notepad” ever since I was in elementary school. I thought up the microscope in my notebook when I decided to participate in this contest. There are plenty of interesting items in my notebook, but they are all top secret.
How long did it take you to build the microscope?
To be honest, I was really exhausted. I started thinking about this last October, but it was very complicated and I only began production in February this year. Ever since then, I’ve had to focus all of my energy and attention on this product, to complete it in time for the final submission in July.
What’re your dreams?
I want to major in new materials engineering. Later, I hope to work in energy production.
The final device created by Shin (right) can aim the water flow coming out of a faucet.
The exhibit shows how Park developed a lighter and cheaper microscope.
(From top) On display are a self-singing keyboard, a flexible baby carriage where babies can lie down, and colorful iron works of art, all created by middle or high school students. Some 300 inventions are on display at the National Science Museum in Daejeon.
The award-winning 301 inventions are on display at the National Science Museum in Daejeon. The exhibition will continue until Aug. 13 when an award ceremony will take place.
More information can be found at the museum’s official website.
http://www.science.go.kr/english/index.html
By Lee Seung-ah
Photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
slee27@korea.kr
