2/3: Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior HS (Miami, FL)

Project: Kinetic cells

Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School is newly built -- just four years old -- and already bursting at the seams. Intended to house 2,500 students, now some 4,100 attend!

Dr. Michael M. Krop HS
Originally uploaded by Joshua Schuler.

I was greeted in the parking lot by several members of the InvenTeam, all wearing white lab coats embroidered with "Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams". A tour of the school brought me past a butterfly garden (the brainchild of one of the InvenTeam members), some aquaculture tanks and an impressive performing arts facility.

As the principal was out for medical reasons, I met with the assistant principal and the head of student affairs. The students and school, much like North Miami Beach Senior High School (2004 InvenTeam), are highly involved in community activities and benefits.

The project idea has evolved from a human kinetic cell (e.g.: a power source for MP3 players) to a kinetic cell for a specific application at the school -- a speed bump leading into the school's parking lot that will power an LED message sign.

The InvenTeam has built several kinetic cells in an attempt to make smaller models. With the specific parking lot application, however, size may no longer be as important.

I sat-in on a sophomore chemistry class in which the InvenTeam gave a presentation on their project and tried to build a just-in-time kinetic cell (not easy to do). Presenting to other classes not only makes for good practice, but helps recruit students for subsequent years and invention projects.

The InvenTeam is made-up of juniors and seniors, all of whom are highly ranked and involved at the school. On the day I arrived, news broke that a member of the InvenTeam had been named school valedictorian and several members were preparing for the following weeks' International Science Fair.

Here's something all schools should have --

Teacher of the year
Originally uploaded by Joshua Schuler.