Students Bridge the Gap From Idea to Invention

A device that detects snakes on a hiking trail. 
A tool that helps lift pets into cars. 
A mess-free way for kids to enjoy a melting popsicle. 

Across Tempe Elementary Schools, students in the PACE gifted program have been turning everyday problems into inventions. From researching problems to building a prototype and pitching solutions to judges, these young innovators are learning how ideas move from imagination to real-world impact, with projects advancing to the regional Invention Convention competition through Arizona State University. 

Some of the student inventions grew from imagination. Others came from empathy. But all began with curiosity. 

Broadmor Elementary fifth grader Andrew Cylwik designed an underwater rocket to move quickly through the ocean. He also envisioned practical uses – lifeguards could use it to reach swimmers faster.

Other students focused on helping people close to them. Lucie Paupert and her partner created the Pet Up and In, a device designed to lift animals into vehicles. “It’s supposed to lift animals that owners can’t carry into the car,” Paupert said. “My grandparents want a dog but worry they wouldn’t be able to take care of it.”

Spracale Elementary fifth graders Audia Diaz and Danielle Reyna created the Cold Sip, a reusable silicone holder that kept melting treats from dripping onto kids’ hands and clothes.

Some students thought even bigger. Broadmor Elementary fifth graders Frida Gastelum and Musiq Mills created the Sea Clean Machine, a device designed to collect ocean trash and monitor storage levels through a mobile app. “We wanted the ocean clean and safe because animals and humans can get harmed,” Gastelum said. 

“It was rewarding to see them think about how their inventions could help the world around them,” Tempe Elementary Schools Gifted Coordinator Amy Evans said, reflecting on the range of student ideas.

Beyond creativity, the experience required persistence. Students tested materials, revised designs and adapted when ideas didn’t work the first time — a challenge gifted learners don’t always encounter in traditional assignments. That process was intentional, Evans explained.

“There was so much pivoting throughout this project. Students had to test materials, see what failed, and persevere. It’s a safe space to practice failure and be academically adventuresome.”

That perseverance built pride.

“It was really cool to see it go from an idea to an invention,” Gastelum said. “It’s pretty amazing. We created this from scratch,” Mills added.

For Evans, the competition is just as much about confidence as it is about engineering. “I hope students walk away knowing their ideas are valued and important,” she said. “Our students truly have boundless potential.”

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This opportunity reflects Tempe Elementary’s commitment to strengthen specialized programs and/or school options, as outlined in Goal 3.3 of the Strategic Plan.

About Tempe Elementary Schools’ PACE Gifted Program
PACE (Promoting Actualization through Creativity and Excellence) is Tempe Elementary Schools’ pull-out gifted program. PACE serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade identified as gifted at all elementary and K-8 school campuses. Learn more about Tempe Elementary Schools' gifted education offerings.