Invention Convention
is designed to encourage scientific problem-solving in students of all ages, as well as to promote creative thinking. However,
it is even more important to stress that thinking of a solution for a problem can be fun and intriguing. Designing a new invention
or a new process can be a valuable and enjoyable way to develop the skills of creative problem-solving that can be used for
years to come.
To design a new invention, there
are a few steps that you must follow. The first of these, which is usually the hardest, is to think of a problem that you
wish to solve. Once you have decided on your problem, you must now come up with a solution. At this point you can draw a picture
of your invention or an outline of your new process. Finally, you must submit your Invention Disclosure Form. You are now
ready!
Remember, Invention Convention is a
project that is not just for students. Parents and teachers are urged to become involved and help the students along the way
in the invention process.
Parents:
The following is a list of steps for your child to follow
when preparing for the NYS Invention Convention. Please read them along with your child to assist him or her with any problems.
Use the example Invention Disclosure Forms as a guide for your own disclosure form and as an example of the kind of invention that your child can submit.
What am I going to invent?
Step 1: The problem to be solved
The first step in coming up with a new invention is to think of a problem that you wish to solve. Most new inventions are
improvements on someone else's idea. It makes something they already have work even better. It can also be an entirely new
idea, one that nobody has ever thought of before. Remember that your invention doesn't have to be a thing; it can also be
a process or a better way of doing something. A good way to come up with an idea is to think of something that drives you
crazy or something that you can never get quite right. For example, if you can never get a soda bottle open, then design a
new bottle cap. You can also ask your parents, teachers and friends for ideas of things that they might need. Another way
to think of an idea is to think of an object that you already have and to list all of the problems with it.
Step 2: How to solve my problem
Once you decide on a problem, you have to think of a way to solve that problem. If you decide that you want to develop a
way to keep ice cream cones from always dripping on your hands, then you have to think of a way to catch the melted ice cream
or, instead, keep the ice cream cold enough so that it won't melt. Remember to take into account just what it is that you're
going to make your product with and try to determine if your solution will be practical. Try to be as creative as you can
with your ideas. You might come up with a great new idea! Draw a sketch of your product or an outline of your process making
sure that everything in your design is exactly the way that you want it.
Step 3: Entering my invention
After deciding on a problem to solve and
inventing a solution for that problem, now you must fill out your 2010 Student Invention Disclosure Form and draw a sketch of your invention. Try to make your drawing as clear
as possible, and the entire form as neat as you can. Presentation is an important part of your application since the judges
will be more inclined to select an invention that is clear and understandable. Make sure that the invention disclosure form
is signed by a parent or guardian. Then submit the completed form to a teacher or, if necessary, directly to your regional
coordinator.
Step 4: Judging
and Awards
The judging will begin after January. Each disclosure will be reviewed for originality and creativity,
as well as practicality. Of all the inventions submitted, 100 will be selected as semi-finalists for the regional ceremony.
Step 5: Making a Model
Kids
(and parents are encouraged to help for a special time with their kids) should create a model of their invention for display.
Some regions have special maximum sizes so check with your region. The top 25 State finalists will be selected from the best
ideas from each region.
NEW YORK STATE INVENTION CONVENTION
Regional
Directors for 2010
Capital District: Jim Ruth, Schenectady Museum
Rochester Finger Lakes Region:
Anna Rivoli, Spencerport School District
Niagara
Region: Merry Constantino, ProductLogic
Southern Tier: Mark Levy, Esq.,
Mark Pierson, CSI
Attention
teachers and families: RMSC will be holding a Teacher Open House on Febuary 8th 2010.
The following links will help you prepare
your great idea for this year's Finger Lakes Invention Convention:
