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Students showcase STEAM and Odyssey projects, win state-level spots
Summary
Sixth- and division-II students presented a STEAM 'Toilet Titans' prototype and an Odyssey of the Mind suitcase performance; both teams described their designs, constraints and next competition steps while the board praised their work and issued certificates.
Sixth-grade and Odyssey of the Mind students presented projects to the Oradell Board of Education, outlining prototypes, creative choices and next steps.
The STEAM team "Toilet Titans" described a cardboard prototype for a one-way antibacterial toilet flap meant to prevent what the students called "regurgitated bacteria" from re-entering the bowl. The students demonstrated germ visualization with a UV light during their presentation and explained that their model uses a one-way flap and lip to prevent backflow. "This product solves a problem that is unknown to most," the students said during their remarks. They told the board the prototype is still a design model and would likely require plumber installation if developed into a working product.
Board members asked about testing, costs and sources for factual claims. The students said they performed web research but could not recall the exact sources for statistics they cited, including a claim that contaminated water can persist for "seven flushes." The board encouraged further testing and suggested 3D printing as a possible fabrication method; students said the current model is cardboard and some components may be 3D printable in future iterations.
Later, an Odyssey of the Mind Division II team described their suitcase-restricted theatrical piece, explaining how wearable devices, collapsible origami props and large costumes were adapted to meet competition constraints. The team walked the board through the story elements — from "Logic Land" to a "Bay of Pigs Resort" sequence — and discussed engineering challenges for a wearable hat device that malfunctioned on cue in the performance. The students thanked coaches and a judge who offered feedback at regionals and state events.
The board presented certificates and photos to both teams and congratulated them on advancing to state-level contests and to the next competition stages in late May. The board encouraged students to continue refining sources and prototypes and thanked staff coaches for their support.
The meeting then recessed for a brief break before opening the business portion of the agenda.
