Invention Convention Parent Information Night January 13, 2014

First Place Project

Invention Convention Project Required for All Midway Fifth Graders Optional for Midway Fourth Graders Counts as a Major Test Grade in both Fourth and Fifth Grades. (Fifth Grade is graded by a rubric. Fourth Grade receives an extra 100 in Science.) Is Shared at Midway’s Gallery of Inventions and also at Duke Energy’s Invention Convention

Parts of an Invention Project A Display Board A Journal, Notebook, or Folder A Prototype/Model of the Invention

Duke Energy’s Invention Convention http://www.icupstate.com/main.html

Important Forms/Papers Intent to Invent Research and Development Rubric

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 ways to improve things!

How do I decide what to invent? Think about something that “bugs you.” (Mrs. Bradshaw’s Lunch Box) Create a way to solve the problem with your item. Or… Ask other people for ideas, search the Internet (with your parent’s permission.)

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 and could it 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?

Questions Used by Judges… Does this invention clearly identify and address a problem? Has the inventor done research and provided evidence to show that no similar product or process exists? How well has the inventor shown that the invention has been tested to ensure that it works? How well is this invention designed and/or constructed? How effectively has the inventor presented his/her invention? Will this invention be easily understood by many users?

Past Inventions… Rain poncho designed for use when riding a bike Toothpaste cap that minimizes waste and mess Clothing tags to help match and coordinate outfits 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

Display Board Includes the title of your invention. 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. Includes the title of your invention. Includes the purpose of your invention. Includes a diagram of your invention with labels explaining its parts and how it works. Your display board may also include: 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!

Notebook A brainstorming list. Make sure your notebook includes… A diagram (labeled sketch) of your invention. The purpose of your invention and an explanation of the problem you are solving. A brainstorming list. Explanation Paragraph and Documentation of research that proves that your product does not already exist. (Sources) Survey results showing that people would use your invention.

Useful Websites! www.icupstate.com 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

Important Dates February 24, 2014 February 28, 2014 March 3-4, 2014 Invention Projects Due to Mrs. Bradshaw February 28, 2014 Midway’s Gallery of Inventions 1:50-2:30 PM March 3-4, 2014 Duke Energy Invention Convention

First, Second, and Third Place Winners!

Project Display Boards Cost of Boards $5.00