Budding Inventors Need To Get In Quick!

Dishwashing robots, a pair of flying boots and even an oil disappearing machine are just some of the brilliant ideas Kiwi kids have invented as part of the Macleans Bright Sparks Scholarship.

With only two weeks left to enter, Macleans continues to search the country for Kiwi kid’s biggest, brightest, wildest inventions, with the winning idea netting the inventor the title of Maclean’s Bright Spark and a $5,000 prize.

Designed to stimulate creativity and imagination in science, the Macleans Bright Sparks Scholarship is open to budding inventors aged between five and 12 years old.

“We have been absolutely blown away by the level of creativity children have shown with their entries so far,” Alison Field, Macleans Oral Care expert said.

“There is only two weeks to go for kids to engage their imagination and get their big ideas to us – remember they don’t have to actually be created, they just have to share their creative and clever ideas.”

The scholarship was developed after recognising a need for more science in children’s learning. A panel of experts including inventor extraordinaire Luke Nola and parenting author Kathy Fray will judge the entries against criteria that measures originality, inspiration and written and visual depiction.

To enter the competition, children need to develop an original invention, supply a drawing and a short description of their big idea. Entries can be submitted via www.macleansbrightsparks.co.nz or by post to: Macleans Bright Sparks Scholarship, PO Box 37420, Parnell, Auckland 1151. Parents or guardians must confirm entry by agreeing to the terms and conditions and entries must be received by Monday 14 November 2011 to be in to win.

“At Macleans we’re constantly developing new technologies and products to help Kiwi families look after their teeth. The innovative ideas behind our products come from people who think outside the square, our very own Bright Sparks. The Macleans Bright Sparks Scholarship is the perfect vehicle for us to find the next generation of budding inventors with big ideas,” Ms Field said.

For more information on the competition visit www.macleansbrightsparks.co.nz.

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