Inspirational AVS students have eight projects in BT Young Scientists final

STUDENT: Michael Masterson 

CATEGORY: Junior Technology 

PROJECT TITLE: Ciotach clean

APPROACH: As a leftie I have always struggled to keep my hand clean as I write and through primary school I have used several different types of hand guard to prevent smudging on my hand and on my written work. Currently all commercially available left hand smudge guards are designed to fit on the student's hand which is non-discrete and can be uncomfortable for the student to wear all day. Also, they still cause smudging because they are usually made of a rubber or silicone material. I want to develop an on-page smudge protector that would not interfere with the student as they write from left to right across the page. This on-page smudge guard would allow for more discrete use and because of the smooth finish would eliminate the smudging that still occurs with currently available products. To help me to design and develop my prototype, I have contacted Michael McHugh of Moll Industries Ireland to investigate the materials that I could access through them, to make my device from. I have also asked them for their assistance in using computer aided design to draw out plans for my prototype and they have shown me how to use SCI Solid Works. I aim to create a cardboard model of my design and when I am happy that I have a cardboard prototype that passes focus group testing, I will then make it in plastic and test it again for durability and its anti-smudge effectiveness.