Fifteen finalists in the Antonio Meucci Young Inventors' Competition squared off this past weekend on Staten Island.

This year's competition - co-sponsored by NY1's parent company Time Warner Cable - included students from fourth through eighth grade in New York City and New Jersey.

Students had to present an original idea for a new invention or product, or provide an improvement on an existing one.

Many drew from their own life experiences.

"It's a mailbox which alerts the family when their mail arrives. A mailman presses this button and this alarm goes off," said Participant Emma Boeninghaus.

"People's phones are always low battery. My invention is so they would charge in your bag or in your suitcase or your pocket. And it's man-powered so when you walk or swing your bag they would charge," said Participant Sabella Vaserman.

Winners in each age group took home a $300 prize.

For more information on programs that engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, visit connectamillionminds.com.