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by hencq 5413 days ago
The kid's own article is great. He explains all the steps he went through and the things he learned along the way. He learned about history, biology, the scientific method while doing something that interested him. Props to his parents and/or teachers who stimulated him to go through with this.

I don't think his 'invention' is that revolutionary. If you don't want your solar panels to overlap, it makes sense to choose step sizes that are coprime (which consecutive fibonacci numbers are). I don't think the invention matters that much here though. Aidan is obviously a bright kid and I'm sure he'll go on to do interesting things.
1 comments
techiferous 5412 days ago
Most (nearly all?) inventions aren't revolutionary in their novelty but are just an increment above what already existed. So I'm agreeing with you but want to make sure the inventiveness of this kid is not understated--especially since I think the intelligence demonstrated in his article is above that of a typical US college graduate.
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jseliger 5412 days ago
"Most (nearly all?) inventions aren't revolutionary in their novelty but are just an increment above what already existed."

This is true. If you're interested in the history of invention, try Steven Berlin Johnson's "Where Good Ideas Come From." Fascinating book, lots of depth, much recommended.

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spodek 5412 days ago
And James Burke's amazing series "Connections" and "The Day The Universe Changed."

One of the best shows I've ever seen.

It's on Youtube. Here's the first link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcSxL8GUn-g

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