Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High School was recently awarded a Lemelson-MIT Inven-Team grant in the amount of $10,000 to create a device that lifts a kayak onto a standard car carrier.
Inven-Teams consist of high school students, teachers and mentors that receive grants up to $10,000 to invent technological solutions to real world problems.
Horizon Science Academy is one of 15 high schools nationwide, and the only Ohio school, to receive this coveted MIT grant.
Scott Girard, Science teacher at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High School began the Inven-Team application process and attended training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to help prepare the final grant proposal.
The idea for the lift occurred when students were studying Lake Erie water quality and they helped a disabled veteran having trouble putting his kayak onto his car. He injured his arm in Desert Storm, which made getting his equipment onto his vehicle more difficult. Horizon students wanted to enable people with physical disabilities to continue enjoying the outdoors.
Girard said. “We’re hoping this helps a lot of people with physical challenges to continue their favorite activities and make their lives a bit easier.”
Horizon Science Academy principal Mr. Gurbuz said, “This is a perfect example of how science and mathematics are put into real life. Our students are already helping their community with what they learned in the classroom. I cannot wait to see what they will accomplish in the future.”
Students on the team are also part of the Concept Youth Scholars Program (CYSP), as well as the Scientific Research and Design class. CYSP is a program designed to focus on academics, a healthy lifestyle, building confidence, volunteerism, exploration and activities designed to help students make the most of their educational experience.
