CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — When Abram Barker came to class one sweltering September day with his homemade air conditioner in tow, he had no idea it would be so popular.
On Monday, he was awarded a lifetime membership award as the Youth Innovator of the Year for 2017 by the Grand Rapids Inventors Network.
In the midst of a September heat wave, schools began taking half days because the classrooms were too warm. Even though it wasn’t assigned, Abram decided to figure out how to make an air conditioner that would cool his entire classroom. The contraption is comprised of a Rubbermaid tub, frozen water bottles, a towel and a fan. It worked, lowering the temperature of the room by several degrees.
Abram is never one to seek attention. He said he just did it because he likes to invent and he likes to help. But he smiled happily as he was handed the award.
His teacher, Kelly LaCroix, said awards like the one Abram got help spark creativity and kids’ interest in science. She said she is proud of her class and how supportive they have been of Abram.
Full story: WOOD TV