Documents and Resources
Successful student inventions are unique, creative, and solve a problem. If you are looking for ideas for the type of inventions that move forward in competition, click here for some examples of last year's winning inventions at the state level.
Industry Sectors for Your Invention
You will need to register your invention under one of these sectors. If you are feeling stuck between 2 or more sectors, pick either! Not too big of a deal :)
Agriculture (Food, Machinery, Tools), Pets, & Animal Care
Consumer Goods and Fashion
Earth, Environment, Geosciences
Education (Technology, Systems, Tool, Hardware)
Energy (Efficiency, Environmental, Clean Technology, Generation)
Health and Medical Technology
Home Organization
Home Technology, Smart Homes, Appliances
Household Tools
Public Safety/Public Good
Sports, Games, Entertainment, and Toys
Technology/ Wearables
Transportation
Invention Log Samples and Templates
Below are some options and samples for students to use when they create their Invention Logs. An Invention Log is required for participation in the Invention Convention, however the exact templates below are not required. Feel free to use any of these options or a student-created template, as long as the student documents their invention process in some way.
Grades TK-1 Invention Log Template
Click HERE to make a copy of the Invention Log for students in grades TK-1.
Display Board Samples and Templates
Students must create a display board to share their invention with the judges. Below are some options. Students can either create a trifold display board (similar to a science fair project), or they can create a digital slideshow display board.
Display Board Design Templates
Example #1
Example #2
Example #3
This is a sample virtual template that students can use as an alternative to creating a trifold display board. Click HERE to make a copy.
Judging Rubric
Please see the rubric below for details on how your invention process will be scored. All judges will use this rubric.
California Invention Rubric.pdfParent/Teacher Resources
The website below includes lessons and activities that parents or teachers can use with students to spark their creativity and prepare them to be inventors.