PCS Student Duo Wins Top Prize at the State Invention Convention!
May 05, 2025 | by Ildi Carlisle-Cummins
PCS 8th Graders Lucke Winker (pictured left) and Josua Erasmus (right) travelled to the Invention Convention in Sacramento in April-- and, to their happy surprise, they each earned $125 by winning a top prize!
The students paired up to build and present a prototype of the "Gravi-Roll," a low-energy car encased in a shatterproof ball that is both more efficient and safer to drive than cars currently on the road. The "Gravi-Roll" was awarded first prize at the state-level in the industry focused portion of the Invention Convention. The students were supported at every step by science teacher Mr. Conley, who helped them troubleshoot driving mechanisms for their round car and 3-D printing a basketball-sized shell for their prototype. Lucke and Josua have ambitious plans moving forward: they'd like to compete at the national level in the competition next year. Clearly they have the smarts and the drive to do that.
Three other PCS science students, Hazel Campbell, Musa Shafi and Adi Menon, will compete at ISEF (International Science and Eng Fair) in Columbus, Ohio this month. We wish them a safe, fun trip, and the best of luck in the competition!