11-Year-Old Boy's Invention Could Save Billions of Dollars Every Year (VIDEO)

By Eric Corpus, Thursday, January 16, 2014

Since 2005, saltwater flooding has caused an estimated $34 billion in damage in the United States. The traditional method of preventing saltwater floods involves stacking sandbags to create a barrier against the incoming water.

Isn't there a solution better than this low-tech method? Peyton Robertson thought there should be, so he invented one. And he's 11.

For his entry to the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge last year, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 6th grader invented the Sandless Operational Sandbag (SOS), which consists of a bag filled with a polymer that expands when wet. The bag is easier to store and transport than a sack full of sand.

The judges certainly liked it and named Peyton "America's 2013 Top Young Scientist." Winning the contest earned him a trip to Costa Rica and a cash prize of $25,000.

Watch and SHARE 11-year-old Peyton Robertson's invention that could help millions around the world.