Ma’ayanot’s year-end STEAM activities continued on Sunday, May 19, with two original student inventions receiving high recognition at the CIJE Innovation Day. “The projects were truly dazzling,” said Gila Stein, co-director of the Ma’ayanot’s STEAM program. “Their engineering knowledge and dedication to STEAM were evident, and they delivered their pitches so articulately and clearly.”

For the first time this year, prizes were awarded in categories, with Ma’ayanot students honored in two areas. First in the arts category was a groundbreaking machine designed by Sonia Weiner, Risa Farber and Hadassah Freedman to help people with vision impairment learn Hebrew Braille. “I really enjoyed working hard this year on something I really believe can help the blind,” said Hadassah Freedman. “I enjoyed doing CIJE and I love seeing everyone’s prototypes.”

A device invented by Leeby Levine, Elisheva Raskas and Daphna Lent received first place in the health care category, as well as a nomination to continue to the CIJE Tank competition. The invention, called “Flex-It,” is worn over a person’s joint during flex therapy sessions. “We found that patients constantly ask their doctors how to complete therapeutic stretches at home, and there was no good answer,” said Elisheva. Flex-It senses and records each flex that reaches the therapeutic level, and generates reports for the person’s therapist. The project was one of six out of 70 chosen to proceed to the CIJE Tank competition in the fall, at which the winner will receive help in obtaining a patent. Speaking on behalf of her group, Elisheva said “We are extremely humbled to have received not only first place, but an opportunity to have Flex-It patented, especially since our innovation can greatly improve a person’s life.”