Lash Laker holds up his invention: Seedboard, an agricultural product that imbeds fertilized seeds in recycled cardboard strips that then can be planted on Tuesday at Ramsey Elementary in Coeur d'Alene. Laker's invention took first place in a national invention competition called I-Cubed Challenge. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Lash Laker gathered up some materials from around his Coeur d’Alene home – cardboard, coffee grounds, wood ash and eggshells – and made a horticultural product he calls Seedboard. The idea is to nurture seedlings in the ground, locking in moisture, supplying nutrients and fortifying against insects. “It protects from many things,” the loquacious 8-year-old explained. “It’s protection from pests, keeps seeds safe from the elements and dry climate.” Laker has done pretty well with his invention, winning the Invent Idaho school competition, then advancing to the district, regional and state levels. Now he has won the national I Cubed Challenge, which this year had students explore innovations in sustainability. “This young man is going places, very definitely,” said Beth Brubaker, co-founder of I Cubed Inventions, a nationwide student invention curriculum and contest for students in grades 1-8. I Cubed, or I³, stands for “inspire, ignite, invent”/Scott Maben, SR. More here.

Question: Have you ever invented anything?