Like all good inventors Jacinta Churcher saw a problem and found a solution.
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Unlike most inventors, scientists, and technology developers, Jacinta is only 10.
The grade four St Patrick’s School student created a flat power cord which could land her a trip to NASA Kennedy Space Centre.
Wangaratta’s Eden White is also in the running for the same trip, with both girls entering the littleBIGidea competition for budding young inventors.
She might be young but Jacinta is already bubbling with plans and inventions for the future.
“My mum has diabetes and has lots of cords in bed with her and I thought it’d be easy if they were flat and she wouldn’t trip on them,” she said.
“At school I noticed around the SmartBoard there’s lots of cords and teachers have to tape over the cords so people don’t have an accident.”
Jacinta’s mother Sue said she had no clue her daughter was so inventive and was very impressed with her initiative,
“She’s amazing,” Mrs Churcher said.
“I have no idea where it came from.
“I’m very proud but it’s completely out of the blue.
“Apparently her teacher mentioned it in class and Jacinta just took it on board.”
Jacinta said after her teacher spoke to them, she was the most excited in the class.
She went home determined to create something.
“I had a lot of ideas and it’s fun to try new things,” Jacinta said.
“I came up with the idea, did a sketch and sent it in.
“Mum said lots of other kids had great ideas so I’m not sure how I’ll go.”
Despite her foray into inventing, Jacinta wants to be a professional dancer, dancing teacher or creative school teacher when she grows up.
Eden White of St Bernard’s Primary School was inspired to conquer food waste pollution and enter the competition.
The Wangaratta 10-year-old came up with the idea to create massive neighbourhood worm farms to harness the billions of tonnes of methane released from food waste.
Eden said food waste would be collected from houses via a truck each week and dumped into a giant worm farm.
Then water would be injected into the farm.
She said in time a pump would drain the water out but the water would now be good for gardens.
After the water was extracted it would be cleaned and bottled ready for sale.
The top 12 inventors in littleBIGidea will win $1000, get mentoring and participate in a design workshop.
Top inventors in three categories will win a trip to NASA.