It began two years ago as a fifth-grade science assignment: invent something new or improve on an old invention. Rachel Kurtis of Clifton, Virginia, knew just what needed improvement: the set of plastic shelves she used in her locker. "It was a pain to put together, it didn't fit well, and it broke into pieces!"
Rachel, now 13, designed a sturdy set of folding wooden shelves she called Lockerpal. In May it earned a U.S. patent! That means that for 20 years only she can make and sell the shelves. Now Rachel is in business. She's built and sold about 20 Lockerpals at $20 apiece.