Invention Convention Requirements:
*It's important to know that our invention convention will only be at Roland Grise, there is no district, regional, or state competition*
1.An invention must be the product of a single inventor (or pairs if approved by Mrs. McEwen)
2.An invention must meet the following definition:
An invention must have utility; it must solve a real problem. It is something that no one has ever made before. It cannot be purchased in a store or found in a book. An invention may be a non-obvious improvement to an existing object that yields new utility
3.The cost of the invention should not exceed $25. Inventors are encouraged to use recycled materials.
4.The invention must be accompanied by a report and the log. (boards are optional)
Student Guide:
Think about things that BUG you or people you know
Step 1 - Find a Problem
Look at the things that bug you and think about what you could improve. Select one problem to work on.
Step 2 – Assess the Situation
Think about the problem you selected. Who has this problem? When? Where? Why? What causes this problem? Does the problem look any different to you now?
What are some things that are already being done to solve this problem?
What will you be working on?
Step 3 - Brainstorm-
Think of as many different (even unusual) ideas for improving the situation as possible.
Step 4 - Elaborate-
Choose your best idea. Then, describe and sketch it. Name it. Describe its uses.
Step 5 -
Will it work?
Is it really original?
What could or should be added or taken away?
What are some possible bad things about the invention? Can you eliminate or change them?
Step 6 – Make it
Step 7 – Write report
Presentations in class:
Things to keep in mind when presenting material:
● Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard
● look at you entire audience while speaking
● organize what you are going to say- notecards, don't read off the display
● try not to fidget, stand up straight
● try not to say um, uh,and,...
● be confident, have energy, inspire interest
Judging:
Originality of Invention: Is the invention novel? Did the inventor come up with a unique, unusual, or extremely clever solution to a problem? Did the inventor recognize and select a particularly unusual or difficult problem? Is the idea one that the child could have developed? How does the invention compare to existing items that might solve the same problem?
Attention to Detail: How well is it made? Is the design efficient or is it cumbersome? Was some thought given to overall design, including ease of use and the choice of appropriate materials?
Purpose and Practicality: Why did the inventor decide on this invention? Does the invention solve the stated problem? Does it work? Does the design do the intended use in a cheaper, quicker, or easier manner? Who will benefit from this invention (general public, people with handicaps, the elderly, children, only the inventor)? Will the invention help the environment? Is the invention generally useful?
Adherence to Guidelines: How well did the student document the process used in inventing? Is the log complete? Is the problem clearly stated? What resources were used? Was credit given to others who helped? Were the steps taken to get from idea to completed project clearly described, including failures, reasons for choice of materials, and resources? What was done to find out if the idea is unique?
Presentation: Is the invention process clearly explained on the display board? Is the display board visually appealing? Does the inventor speak clearly? Does the inventor have eye contact with his/her audience? Does the inventor answer questions appropriately? (We may have finalists meet with the judges otherwise this section will be solely based on the display.)