Freddie Howells is that youngster who is caring,
compassionate and clever … he has won two awards with his inventions …
His great aunt has dementia, which leads to a few
challenges … she does not recognise friend or foe and, who quite often falls
and then ‘is lost’ … i.e. doesn’t know what to do, or maybe hurt …
 |
| Raspberry Pi logo |
Freddie using Raspberry Pi created two inventions to assist with these problems:
- a home
security system, complete with facial recognition cameras …
- and a fall
alert system, which dispatches a robot with a GPS tracking device to find his
aunt …
Both inventions reassure the family that their
relative is safer – the door will not open unless the system recognises the
visitor, and will alert the family when she falls over, so she is not left on
the floor without help.
I found out about Freddie when he was recognised by
the Big Bang organisation …
Big Bang Digital 2020 – Science, Engineering andCovid-19 (Tuesday 14 July 2020) celebrates the amazing work of scientists and
engineers in a pandemic …
 |
| 'Woman teaching geometry' found in Medieval reprint of Euclid's 'Elements' (1310) |
… letting students realise how important scientists
and engineers really are ... they literally shape the world around us …
Showcasing how to learn on the job, go to college or
university or combine different routes – the Fair opens doors for all
entrepreneurs …
 |
| NASA team of engineers with a ventilator they created for the Covid-19 crisis |
It sounds like the youngsters love the ambience of the
Fair – and I’m sure this year will really appreciate having it online …
The pandemic is making sure we all understand how
important STEM is at the beginning of a young child’s educative life …
S Science
T Technology
E Engineering
M Mathematics
Encourage our children to try all things, persevere,
be curious, as they will be our light in the future …
We are the World Blogfest
In Darkness, Be Light
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
44 comments:
I am so sorry his great aunt has dementia. There can be nothing worse than an independent, normally functioning and intelligent loved relative falling into a blear in old age. I would rather lose my right hand than lose my brain.
That being said, it is comforting to know that the younger generation has the technical skills, and the commitment, to create modern home security systems etc.
Wow! It sounds like he found great ways to help make his great aunt's life safer. It is so important for kids to build, create, and learn to "make". Thinking outside the box and using tools for other purposes can change things for the better. Thanks for sharing. :)
~Jess
Clever lad! Hope he continues along that course as sounds like he's have a great career ahead of him. Very sad about his aunt though.
Hari OM
Hilary - this is fantastic!!! This young man is already a credit to the world - where can he go from here!!! YAM xx
That is amazing. I want one! What a wonderful boy.
What brilliant, practical and sadly much needed inventions.
All praise to this young man - and to the importance of STEM.
Oh wow, that's a great invention. He needs to market that and make a mint.
What excellent inventions.
Uplifting stuff, Hillary. Freddie Howells is a smart cookie!
Glad to see youngsters embracing science and engineering. Sometimes I despair of the anti-science sentiment pervading some countries and stories like this give me fresh optimism.
@ Hels – dementia and alzheimers is so sad … we just don’t know it’s happening to us – at least Freddie and his family are looking after her. Isn’t it good that there are the youngsters out there challenging themselves with clever ideas. I loved the story about him …
@ Jess – Freddie – certainly seems to ‘be with it’ … and is obviously very caring about his elderly aunt. You’re so right – he is thinking out of the box isn’t he – and then making use of the open source components that are out there available to be used, tried and tested …
@ Alex – exactly right – it sounds like he’s got a lot of support around him … and I was really impressed with the Big Bang Fairs organisation …
@ Yam – isn’t it … just an amazing story – I was so pleased to find it. I’m sure he’ll be encouraged all the way with whichever field of STEM he decides to follow …
@ Jacqui – yes … I so agree with your sentiment: and ‘me too’ – I want one!!
@ EC – you’re right … brilliant, practical and much needed inventions – and STEM knowledge is so important to our future …
@ Liz – he’ll be fine … he’s obviously well-mentored – I don’t think money is on his mind … he’s a caring soul and wants to learn …
@ Anabel – aren’t they just … clever inventions …
@ Mike – as you say smart cookie and very uplifting …
@ Ian – it’s good to know about these sorts of projects happening in our societies. I would hope that this time will encourage youngsters to embrace learning especially at this time …
Thanks so much to you all – it seems to me that we are at a critical time in this spread of the virus … take care and look after yourselves - Hilary
Kudos to Freddie, and all those like him. STEM is very important, Hilary, but one should not overlook the humanizing force of the arts and humanities. I hope some of these young tech wizards take the time to read a poem now and then, go to their local art gallery to appreciate a painting, wallow in an opera, be moved by a string quartet. Gadgetry, however beneficial, will only get you so far.
These are the stories they give me great hope for the future, Hilary. The kid is clever, intelligent and willing to try. His family and his Aunt have a lot to be proud of in him.
Both Freddie and the Big Bang organization sound fascinating. Thanks for showcasing.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Was it you who wrote about the Raspberry Pi several blogs ago Hilary? I think so, I remembered being intrigued. Jolly good to hear that Freddy has adapted and extended its usability even further! Good on science and technology leading the way! Thank you for this post, all best, Susan
@ David - I know ... but this was just highlighting one positive story for our #WATWB monthly challenge - it happened to be STEM because of my 'addiction' to the name and thus open source Raspberry Pi.
I totally appreciate that the arts, and all cultures as you mention, are also having a difficult time - while there are also some extraordinarily creative stories coming out of lock-down.
@ Dan - I know ... clever compassionate and entrepreneurial kids are just brilliant - and I'm sure will help as life goes on. I'm certain his parents and family are super proud ...
@ Sandra - yes Freddie and the Big Bang organisation seem to set a positive standard for our future through being STEM entrepreneurs ...
@ Susan - yes it was me writing about Raspberry Pi - I'll put the link in - I meant to include it. I don't understand it - but just love that sort of inventiveness with the open source technology available. It's great to find out organisations like the Big Bang - so I wanted to highlight that too ...
Great to see you all - thanks for coming by and being interested - take care - Hilary
More positive stories! I love them. Great lad.
Dementiia sucks and is distressing for the family and anything anyone can do to help is welcome
What an inspiring gentleman. A most sensible and wonderful creation.I hope it becomes available everywhere. <3
Hi, Hilary - As a retired educator, I agree that early and positive experiences with STEM is life-altering. Thank you for sharing this article about Freddie. Very inspiring!
awesome youngster. We can only hope that with kids home and with time on their hands, that they are creating, reading, learning -tearing stuff apart and figuring out how it works. STEM is so key. Good post and happy Monday!
I love these kinds of stories, so uplifting and so needed in these days. With unique problems, it takes a unique individual to solve and the young people are really on top of things! So many opportunities, I love that. Thanks for sharing!
I have a huge and important wish: I wish that our government here in the United States would listen to scientists in order to provide us citizens with covid-19 information that is as accurate as it can be at this time. Instead of insisting that the crises is over and life can go on as normal, stock market rising, reelection assured, and all that.
Well done to Freddie, my FIL (99) has Alzheimers and my SIL has to keep an eye on him 24/7. Being fit in body, he just goes where he wants when he wants regardless of time. I still do not really understand what Raspberry Pi really does but I am quite sure it would be well over my head!
Take care and keep well. Diane
That invention is brilliant. My sister-in-law has dementia. Although she's in a memory care facility, she forgets that she can't walk, tries to stand up, and falls. Her son says she often has bruises on her face. It would help if a device would sound an alarm when she starts to get up. Her nurse says that absolutely no restraints can be used (restraints were used on a limited basis when I worked in a nursing home but it was a different state). It upsets me that she gets hurt and I'm not there to help her. Thank you for telling us about this great young man.
Love,
Janie
Technology can at times have its own drawbacks, but largely it can help make our lives comfortable as well as get around many problems in our daily lives. Nice, positive writeup.
It's a shame Freddie had to witness his aunt's dementia – but great he did something positive to help.
@ Kay – yes … this story is so positive isn’t it …
@ Jo-Anne – I know Dementia is just so sad and difficult to look after …
@ Debby – he’s a great kid isn’t he … I’m sure it’ll be taken up by an engineering organisation to promote …
@ Donna – yes I can see you’d be impressed with this lad … and appreciate how important STEM is and can be life-altering as Freddie has found out … and as an educator in life …
@ Joanne – I agree ‘awesome’ youngster. Some kids love taking things apart and learning by putting them together … I remember Meccano – which my brothers enjoyed … and then the train sets … all learning tools …
@ Yolanda – Freddie really honed in on what was important for his great aunt … he must have a very supportive family and school around him – which is great: opens up lots of doors and inspires others …
@ Inger – I understand your worries about the States … take care and with thoughts …
@ Diane – it must be so difficult for your SIL and for him - your FIL, though he won’t know but I’m sure will feel safer. I think I’d describe the various components involving Raspberry Pi … rather like the Meccano of our day, or train sets … but with easier access to information – via the internet and generous open source …
@ Janie – I’m glad your SIL is in a memory care facility – just desperate for your nephew and for you. I don’t know enough about facilities in dementia care and each country no doubt is different. Also these devices are created for a specific need and for his aunt – I’m sure they’ll be adapted for the greater good.
@ Pradeep – yes technology can definitely be for the common good … as here … and as you say usually helps the public with many things …
@ Patsy – he’s dealing with her dementia … while developing these devices to help her … clever lad.
Thanks everyone – so good to see you … Dementia is difficult to understand and to care for … take care and all the best - Hilary
Very sad about his aunt but he is awesome for doing something to help her and hopefully others.
Young people are usually best at new ideas because the aren't held back by pre conceived notions of what would and shouldn't work.
Brillant! I love reading stories like this. They re-affirm my belief in the human race and the youth who are the future.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had a Freddie Howells in our life.
Be Safe. Be healthy.
wow, those are great inventions! Technology is such an amazing thing, as are the minds that create it.
That sounds like a very exciting event! I just wrote my final essay for my final class for my master's (!!) and I was talking about the importance of STEM, too!
Go Freddie Go!! I mentioned this last time, that my son has a mind like this and it simply amazes me! He and his wife work in the military sector and do astounding work. They share what they do with their Raspberry Pi's and I'm blown away by their genius!
Click link below for my new domain. Warmly,
Elsie
Heart-warming and inspiring story Hilary. And I think you're right about one of the positive Covid "side effects" is a clearer understanding of how important STEM is and how we must find ways to encourage young folks with as much support, education, and mentoring as possible.
Wow. Top lad. I'm so sorry to hear about his aunt but he's an inspiration to so many people. Thanks.
Greetings from London.
That is an amazing invention and could be so helpful to so many. Yes, we need to encourage more young people, especially girls, to get involved in the STEM fields.
Many young people are intelligent, kind and compassionate. They often do not make the news. I was all goosebumps as I read more about Freddie. We need entrepreneurs of all ages. I agree, Hilary “...our light in the future...” Thank you for sharing great information and an inspirational post.
@ Mason – dementia is such a sad disease but Freddie really does seem to have grasped the mettle to help his great aunt …
@ CD – yes … kids just get on with things don’t they – they really just carry on with their ideas …
@ Joylene – you’re right – dementia is like a thief in the dark … so unfair …
@ Lee – thanks … it’s so cheering isn’t it. I agree – we can see a future where good features loud and clear …
@ Sandra – yes – I agree I’d love to have a Freddie in my life …
@ Lynda – he’s a clever lad … and I love what can be achieved if you’ve the brains to create something – as he did …
@ Deniz – the Big Bang Digital event – will I’m sure be really helpful to so many children to help them decide which discipline to participate. Great to see you’ve written your final essay – and that you included the STEM opportunities and their importance in life … so true.
@ Elsie – yes, I know … Go Freddie Go …
You did mention your son has a mind that loves utilising technology – he and his wife sound amazing … I’d love to know more!!
@ Deborah – thank you … he certainly caught my heart as I read up about him. As you mention Covid has allowed a great many important developments to be highlighted, as well as creative industries to be started … educating so many of us as to what can be achieved, or what is being researched … that we’d no idea about: I love it!
@ ACIL – I knew you’d recognise the lad’s abilities … sad for his great aunt, yet she will benefit from his creations and love as he spends time with her.
@ Susan – both inventions bring tears to my eyes … as Freddie I’m sure spent time with his great aunt – supporting her and giving her love while he tried out and tested his inventions …
@ Erica – I was in total awe as I read about Freddie and his inventions … like you – amazing youngster. Thanks re the nod to the phrase ‘our light to the future’ – as the children of today are our light to our futures …
Thanks so much to you all for visiting and your appreciative comments about Freddie with his inventions, as well as the STEM technology digital fair occurring on line on 14th July …
Take care and stay safe over this coming weekend … Hilary
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Hilary, we involved our kids early with STEM at a very young age. Although they are close to leaving high school they still have a love for Stem related topics and challenges that need to be addressed now.
There are so many worthwhile inventions in the world aren't there Hilary? All helping make life easier when it's needed.
@ Sandra - thank you ... the sun's come out finally!
@ Stephen - wise parents ... and it's great they're aware of the use STEM subjects can be in our world today. Good luck to them with their careers and futures ...
@ Denise - I know I keep finding out amazing things ... from inventions of years ago - precursors of today's world, to those being adapted for use in the crisis of today ... and certainly making our life easier in this lock-down.
Thanks for visiting - lovely to see you and have your comments - Hilary
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