The Invention Convention Steps for Students

Step 1: Learning About Inventors

The first step in becoming an inventor is to learn all that you can about inventors and their inventions. You will discover how and why certain products were invented. Did you ever wonder why the safety pin was invented, or how toothpaste was packaged before it was put into tubes? How about mousetraps? Did you ever think about how many different types have been invented? In reading about inventors, you will learn that their inventions were made to fill a need. You will also learn that successful inventors:

  • Keep an open and curious mind. They are always looking for a better way to do things, and they do not resist change.
  • Gather as much information as they can about an idea before they begin to invent.
  • Keep trying to find a solution to their problem. They go through a lot of trial and error as they seek a solution. They do not give up.
  • Continue to improve their products.

You now need to complete your scavenger hunt on inventor and inventions using the computer. Make sure you read each question carefully, and answer what is being asked.

Step 2: Finding an Idea

It can be said that need is the mother of invention. Your idea for an invention will come from something that you or someone you know needs.

There are several ways to find ideas for inventions. One way is to ask people if there is anything they need. Another method is called brainstorming. You can brainstorm alone or with others. Here is an example of how brainstorming works. Name an object such as a lunch box. Take ten minutes to list everything you can that is wrong with lunch boxes. Next, find a way to correct some of the problems. Your ideas for solving the problems can be a big step toward inventing a new or improved product.

Keep in mind that your invention does not have to be a product. Instead, it can be a process for doing something. For example, it may be a better way of memorizing a list of objects or a new card game.

When you find an idea you like and you want to make it into an invention, ask your teacher for an Intent to Invent form. Fill it out, have your parent sign it, and then return it to your teacher.

Step 3: Research and Planning

Before an invention can be successful, you have to make a plan. Your plan should include all the steps you can think of, from beginning to end. When writing your plan, ask yourself questions such as these:

  • What can I read about that will help me with my invention?
  • To whom can I talk about solving problems and planning properly?
  • What materials will I need?
  • How can I control the cost of my invention?
  • What steps should I follow?
  • How much time should I allow for each step?
  • How can I test my invention?
  • How can I be sure my invention is safe to use?

Don’t be surprised if you have to change your plans along the way. Sometimes a plan will not work as well as you first thought it would. So keep an open mind for change. You may even discover a better way of completing a certain step.

Step 4: Developing, Testing, and Displaying

Now the work begins. Follow your plan step by step. If you have difficulty with a certain part of your invention, talk to an expert. Try different things until you overcome the difficulty. Most of all, don’t give up. As Henry Ford, one of the inventors of the automobile, once said, “Failure is only an opportunity to start again more intelligently.”

Whether you choose to make a new invention or improve an existing invention, describe your invention in writing. Give all of the important details of your process. To show that your idea works, you should test it.

When you are finished with your invention, ask your teacher for a Patent Application. Fill out the application and have your teacher and principal sign it. You are now ready to attend the Invention Convention.

Be sure to make plans for displaying your invention. An attractive display is important. You will want people to be attracted to your invention. A good promotion plan should include posters or other eye-catching materials. Remember, an inventor has to sell people on his or her product or process. You may also wish to design packaging for your invention and to write an advertisement for it. You will be evaluated on how well you promote your invention.

Step 5: Attending the Invention Convention

Before attending the Invention Convention, you will be given a place to display your invention. When you set up your display, include all reports, test results, and your Invention/Inventor Scavenger Hunt.

You will be talking to judges about your work, and later you will be showing your invention to visitors. Try to convince everyone that the world needs what you have invented. If you think someone or your teacher is missing the point of your invention or is not asking the right questions, speak up. Sometimes new ideas take a while to catch on.

The judges will judge your invention, your knowledge of it, and the way you have promoted it. A grade will then be given.

Enjoy the convention! Try to visit the other inventors to see and admire their work. Keep an open mind and be positive. Be proud! You are a scientific problem solver.

Invention Convention

Examples of Student Inventions

“I can’t think of anything to invent!” is a complaint teachers sometimes hear when students begin the inventing process. You can use this list to help you come up with your own original idea.

  • 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 lunch box alarm that goes off when an unauthorized person opens the box
  • a bird feeder that protects feed from wind and rain
  • a new board game
  • a newly designed bottle opener
  • a toothpaste cap that minimizes waste and mess
  • a device that prevents blister from forming on hands when raking, shoveling, or sweeping
  • a billfold that organizes money by denomination for blind people
  • a new type of swing set
  • clothing tags to help match and coordinate clothes
  • a dog collar that lights up at night
  • a bedspread that zips down the middle
  • safety suspenders that light up at night for joggers or bikers
  • a lock for a folding door
  • a new type of ice cream container that minimizes mess
  • a new type of rake that allows you to pick up leaves without bending over
  • an infant support that prevents a very young baby from falling over
  • a robot that distributes and collects student papers
  • a glove with a light for signaling turns when riding a bike at night
  • a better, more comfortable swing set
  • a device to hold objects for disabled people who use a walker
  • a computer program that includes graphics and music for entertaining children aged three months to four years
  • a child’s seat that fits a shopping cart
  • a hearing-aid guard
  • a mailbox alert device that signals when mail has been delivered to a roadside mailbox
  • tapeless wrapping paper
  • a comforter for cats
  • an outside house light that flashes to signal police, firemen, or other helpers as to which house made a call for assistance
  • a computer program that catalogs videotapes
  • an eyeglass defogging device
  • a device that makes it easier to swallow pills
  • a drying rack for gloves
  • a liquid that covers fade marks on blue jeans
  • a light switch for young children
  • a chocolate candy device that prevents ice cream cones from dripping
  • a bus-stop night light

Invention Display Board

Helpful Tips for Making a GREAT Display Board!

  • Make a rough draft of the full layout of your board.
  • Make a rough draft of each item you plan to include.
  • Make all the items for the entire board first BEFORE starting to stick anything to the board.
  • Don’t draw or write directly on the board. Do this on separate paper and glue them on.
  • If you use any tape, make a tape loop (doughnut) and use it BEHIND the letters/item so the tape does not show.
  • Be neat.
  • Add simple art work to give your display more interest and to focus attention to key points.
  • You can use a computer to type any of your text or to print clip art of pictures. Color helps!
  • VERY EFFECTIVE: Add photographs that show someone using your invention!

Requirements:

You MUST use these subtitles to label your board.

  • Problem
  • Solution
  • Diagram
  • What It Does
  • Marketing Plan

Add the sentences that explain your problem and solution statements, draw and label a diagram, explain what your invention does, and write your marketing plan, such as a commercial, jingle, ads, price, etc. Here is an example display board. Be creative! Have fun! Make up your own marketing ads!