Invention Convention Informational Meeting

1. InventionConventionInformationalMeeting Midway Elementary School of Science & Engineering December 3, 2012

2. Me… An Inventor? The first step in becoming an inventor is to learn all that you can about other inventors and their inventions and discover how and why certain products were invented. Think about it… • Did you ever wonder why the safety pin was invented? • Or how toothpaste was packaged before it was put into tubes? • And how about mousetraps? • Did you ever think of how many different types have been invented? Keep an open and curious mind. Always look for a better way to do things!

3. You don’t have to completely invent something new… Think of something that you use a lot that really “bugs” you… How could you improve it?

4. What Makes a Good Invention? (What the Judges may look for!) • Is your invention a new idea? • Is your invention your own idea? • Does your invention satisfy the need or want that you identified? • Is your invention usable? • Will your invention work? • Is your idea clearly described by a neatly constructed and easy-to-read poster? • Do you have a complete journal or log that clearly describes every step you took in coming up with, researching, planning, drawing, building, and displaying your invention? • Does the drawing of your invention show: • What your invention looks like? • How it works? • All the parts of your invention, with each part labeled? • Is your model or prototype: • As well constructed as you can make it? • A size that fits in the space allowed for in the convention rules? • Can you clearly describe the steps you used in thinking about and developing your invention? • Did people other than you only do work on your invention that was unsafe or too difficult for you to do?

5. Past Inventions… • Device that cleans gutters • Plastic product that holds books while you eat • Rain poncho designed for use when riding a bike • Lunch box alarm that goes off when an unauthorized person opens the box • Toothpaste cap that minimizes waste and mess • Billfold that organizes money by denomination for blind people • Clothing tags to help match and coordinate outfits • New type of insect repellant • New type of ice cream container that minimizes mess • New type of rake that allows you to pick up leaves without bending over • Glove with a light for signaling turns when riding on a bike • Device to hold objects for disabled people who use a walker • Leg cast sock to keep toes warm • Tape-less wrapping paper • Eyeglass-defogging device

6. Display Board Make sure your display board: • Fits easily into the space allowed (2ft x 2ft) and still allows plenty of room for your invention model or prototype! • Is neatly arranged and lettered – press-on letters, stenciled letters, and computer signs work well. Your display board can include: • The title of your invention. • The purpose of your invention. • A diagram of your invention with labels explaining its parts and how it works. • Photos of your invention • Graphs, pictures, and magazine or newspaper clippings that relate to your invention • A jingle, song, or poem about your invention • Results of any surveys and/or research you did involving your invention Have fun with your display board -- let the artist in you show through!

7. Sample Inventions

8. More Samples!

9. More Samples

10. More Samples

11. Useful Websites! • www.icupstate.com (Duke Energy Invention Convention Site!) • http://www.eduplace.com/science/invention/index.html • http://www.ehow.com/list_7424431_invention-ideas-kids_-projects.html • http://www.leslienettling.com/NettlingInventionConvention.html

12. Important Forms

13. Important Events February 2012 Gallery of Inventions Night at Midway February 27-28, 2012 Bi-Lo Invention Convention

14. The Duke Energy Invention Convention http://www.greenvillehd.com/greenville-sc-schools/invention-convention/

15. Questions?