Posted: Dec. 2, 2022 8:42AMTwo 13-year-old inventors from Victoria took home two prizes and $5,200 at a provincial science and innovation showcase on Wednesday.
This was around the time students at St. Michaels school were preparing for a science fair, and Tuck recalls Pope-Lau suggesting they create a self-heating life jacket as their innovation. “Calcium chloride creates an exothermic action, or created heat, when it reacts with water,” Pope-Lau explained, noting they chose to use a chemical that’s not harmful to people.The pair tested about 13 prototypes before finding a balance that wasn’t too hot, with the heat lasting about 30-40 minutes before cooling. The pouch is placed on the back of the jacket to heat a person’s core and vital organs.
Well done!