LAKE MILLS — Thirty Lake Mills students showcased inventions to family, friends and teachers Tuesday afternoon at the Lake Mills Community Schools library.

Third-graders Bailey Dagestad and Natalie Nyguard presented their invention of a mailbox with a remote-controlled car at the bottom. A controller directed the mailbox to its destination.

The girls said the idea for the invention was sparked when they were at lunch one day and figured they were both too lazy to get the mail.

Nyguard said she thought their invention would let elderly people safely retrieve their mail.

There were 19 exhibitions at the invention fair, Invent Iowa, from students in second through sixth grade.

A variety of inventions were shown, from Skittles-scented perfume to homework savers.

Fourth-grader Braden Kane presented his invention of a magnetic portable pocket. The pocket enables people to attach items to their pocketless jeans or shorts with a magnet.

Inventors were graded by Lake Mills High School physics students on several factors, such as presentation, understanding the invention process and invention design.

Sixth-graders Kadin Abele and Derek Eastvold displayed a bag tie that prevents items from getting dirty or wet.

“It is pretty fun trying to make things so you can make your life a whole lot easier,” Abele said.

Winners were announced Tuesday; nearly every grade had a first-, second- and third-place award. A Teachers’ Choice Award was also given.

Lake Mills Talented and Gifted Coordinator Heidi Kayser said the project challenged students to think critically and creatively and provided a solid baseline to the Senior Expo project Lake Mills students are expected to finish. Students started their projects after Christmas.

Kayser said she enjoyed seeing students’ reactions to their work.