New Scholarship Sparks Kiwi Kids' Imagination

Get out your sketch pads and put on your thinking caps – we are looking for your most creative invention ever.

Trampoline shoes to help you reach the chocolate biscuits hidden on the top shelf, a dream machine helmet that record’s your dreams for you to watch in the morning, pyjamas that turn into your school uniform when touched by water, the sky is the limit with what can be invented, just let your imagination run wild.

Macleans is searching the country for the biggest, brightest, wildest invention 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.

“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,” says Alison Field, Oral Care expert.

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 guru 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.

“We believe this scholarship provides a fantastic opportunity to encourage children to engage their imagination while at the same time subtly strengthening their interaction with the fascinating world of science,” says Ms Field.

“We can’t wait to see the wonderful and wacky ideas that the entrants come up with.”

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

Macleans® and the triple striped logo are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.