Whitaker’s First Invention Convention
February 2-6, 2015
Dear Parents,
We are looking forward to our third annual Whitaker Invention Convention. Our past conventions have been very successful. The goal of the Invention Convention is for each student to use his/her creativity and imagination to invent a solution to a problem. All of our third, fourth, and fifth graders are required to create an invention. We would like to encourage our kindergarten, first, and second graders to also participate. Students may create their own invention, or they can partner with another student on their grade level. Each invention must perform a practical function to solve an everyday problem. Examples of student inventions include:
· A device that cleans gutters
· A plastic product that holds a book while you eat
· A rain poncho designed for use when riding a bicycle
· A bird feeder that protects feed from wind and rain
· A mailbox alert device that signals when mail has been delivered to a roadside mailbox
· A drying rack for gloves
All inventions must be portable. They cannot have sharp blades or use electrical power. Battery powered components are acceptable, but the invention should not involve wiring circuits or anything that needs to be plugged in. The invention must be an original idea. Students should begin by thinking about something people need to order to make life better. You and your child can brainstorm to identify a problem that needs a solution or something that people need in order to make better; and then come up with ideas for solving that problem.
Each participant will need to plan how they would like to display his/her invention and prepare the necessary materials. The display must include the following: Problem, Solution, Diagram, What it does, and Marketing Plan. Additional information about the required display board is on the back of this letter.
Our Invention Convention will be during the week of February 2-6, 2015. All projects must be brought to school on Monday morning, February 2nd. Projects will be displayed in the gym and awards will be presented at our PTA meeting on Thursday, February 5th. Projects will be judged in the areas of creativity, originality, complexity, and innovation. Awards will be presented to the most creative projects in each grade level.
We have attached some links to resources and videos you may find helpful as your child plans his/her project. Additional information can be found by searching “Invention Convention” both on line and on YouTube. We hope our students will enjoy this opportunity to create and design their own invention. We look forward to seeing the wonderful inventions our students create.
Sincerely,
Bobby Stern
Curriculum Coordinator