Creativity and innovation were on full display at The University of Akron as students from across the country transformed ordinary rubber bands into extraordinary inventions and works of art in the 18th annual Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors.

Hosted by UA’s Akron Global Polymer Academy, an outreach division of the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering within the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, the annual contest introduces students in grades 5-8 to the fascinating world of polymers through hands-on learning that combines science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). Participants were challenged to design and create an original invention or artwork incorporating at least one rubber band.

"The Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors encourages students to think creatively, solve problems and discover how science and engineering can shape the world around them," said Dr. Mesfin Tsige, professor and director of the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. "Every entry reflects the curiosity and imagination that drive innovation, and through hands-on learning, students gain a deeper understanding of polymers and their many applications."

Arts & Leisure Division

Lea Branstetter with her first-place Arts & Leisure Division entry, "Spring Will Arise".

The first-place award in the Arts & Leisure Division went to Lea Branstetter, an eighth-grade student from Lancaster, Pa., for her artwork "Spring Will Arise". Branstetter received the division’s $150 top prize.

The runner-up award and $100 prize were presented to Clara Litherland, a sixth-grade student from Ravenna, Ohio, for "Our Internet Trap".

Science & Engineering Division

Jayden Lee with his first-place Science & Engineering Division entry, "Pokémon Pinball Machine".

In the Science & Engineering Division, Jayden Lee, a seventh-grade student from West Hills, Calif., earned first place and the $150 prize for creating "Pokémon Pinball Machine".

The runner-up award and $100 prize went to William Jewett, a fifth-grade student from Oviedo, Fla., for "Ball Bouncer".

In addition to the top winners, eight finalists were recognized across the two divisions, each receiving a $50 award for their outstanding entries.

Recognizing schools

The contest also recognizes schools that encourage creativity and participation. This year’s Top 10 Schools with the Most Entries, each receiving a $50 award, are:

• C.P. Weber Middle School, N.Y.
• Indian Hill Elementary School, Ohio
• Rootstown Middle School, Ohio
• Manheim Township Middle School, Pa.
• Splendora Independent School District GT Dept., Texas
• Bridgeport Middle School, Texas
• Grand Center Arts Academy, Mo.
• Ephrata Intermediate School, Pa.
• Holy Family Regional School, Mich.
• Geneva Elementary School, Fla.

The Akron Global Polymer Academy congratulates this year’s winners, runners-up, finalists and participating schools, and thanks every student who entered the contest, along with the teachers, parents, mentors and judges whose support helped make this year’s competition a success.

Special thanks to the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, the contest’s Gold Sponsor, for its continued support of STEM education and student creativity.

Created in 2008, the Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors was designed to provide an engaging way for students to explore polymers and apply design thinking, problem-solving and innovation through a hands-on challenge. Each year, students from across the United States submit original inventions, games and artworks that showcase the versatility of rubber bands and the creativity of young minds.

To learn more about the Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors, view current and past winners, explore resources for educators and discover how students can participate, visit the official contest website.