Sunderland Public School's Invention Convention

SPS Invention Convention 2024

SPS Invention Convention Rules

1. Eligibility and Registration

Students must be currently enrolled in grade JK through 8 at Sunderland Public School. Students may participate with their class or as an independent study unit. Each student must have a Parent/Guardian permission form filled out by their adult in order to enter.

2. Inventions

Inventions need to be attempts to solve simple every day problems. Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible. All submissions must be original.

3. Invention Prototype and Display

The display can include a model or drawings of the invention explaining the invention and how it works (it does not need to be a working model – it is the idea that’s important). Please remember to label the invention with your child’s name and grade.

While batteries are welcome, no electrical power, running water or other additional resources can be used at the convention site. Please make sure that all inventions are appropriate for display and pose no danger to anyone in attendance (no toxic/volatile materials, high voltage, high-pressure gasses, open flames/heating elements or live animals). In addition, no invention resembling a firearm or incendiary device in appearance or action will be accepted for entry.

4. Judging and Prizes

We would like to thank our sponsors for this event for judging submissions and for donating prizes to the primary, junior and intermediate divisions. Winners for each category will be determined by an independent panel of judge consisting of representatives from the sponsoring organization.  Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:

• Originality - Is the invention an original idea or an improvement on an existing idea?

• Effectiveness and Need - Is the invention an effective idea for solving the problem? Is there a need for the invention?

• Presentation Board - Is the board neat, organized and includes a title, problem, solution, prototype design, materials, challenges and conclusion?

• Elevator Pitch - Did the student effectively "sell" their idea to the judge in under 2 minutes?