Creative fifth graders at Old Hammondtown School showed off their newly designed gadgets at the Invention Convention held on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Rows of tables were set up in the auditorium to hold cardboard poster boards with descriptions explaining each invention. Prototypes were also on display for the crowd. Students, standing next to their inventions, explained the purpose and benefits of each creation.

Student Cami Parker invented the “Chinny-Chin-Chin Strap!” to keep gymnasts from scraping their chins across the ground while performing the chin stand.

Fellow classmate Bryan Querin invented the Boot Light 424, granting night hikers a visible path during walks in the dark.

“I looked up ‘lighted boot’ and nothing came up, so I thought this would be a good idea to invent,” said Byran, showing off his illuminating design. “It will help people see when they walk in the dark.”

Michelle Barry, parent of student Claire Barry, reflected on her daughter’s invention, the Mane Tamer.

“I helped very little. It was mostly her and her siblings working together. It took a few weekends to complete,” said Michelle. “Claire just thought of her most frequent problems, and the first thing that came to mind was her thick, curly hair!”

The Mane Tamer is a dispensary hairbrush, which releases conditioner brushing, saving time in the shower.

“I take the longest showers in the family,” said Claire. “So this will save me time!”