Invention ConventionAn Introduction

Introduction Young inventors of Westmoreland

County, it is time to begin developing this year’s winning entry for the annual Invention Convention. The rules are simple, but inventors should follow them to achieve success.

Basic Concepts Some basic concepts will help all

inventors to achieve success.

Basic Concepts The inventors which have been the

most successful have been those who have a good working model or well-constructed facsimile, an eye-catching visual display, and a well-worded description.

Basic Concepts Simple inventions that enhance daily

life have fared just as well as those which are large in scope.

Basic Concepts At the state level, if an inventor

makes it that far, it is very important to have an excellent written description and a good, clear photograph.

Basic Concepts Inventions can be done by an individual inventor

or a team.

Please be sure, however, that if you are working as a team, each member has a clear understanding and agreement about any future plans for the invention.

It is not unreasonable to prepare for the possibility that the invention may be patent worthy, etc.; therefore, it is better to have such agreements decided in advance.

At Home As listed on the WEGE Checklist, this

is an at-home project. You may get help from parents, but the idea and most of the work should be yours.

You might need to ask your dad to help you cut lengths of wood for your picture frame invention, for instance, but you should glue it together.

Specifications The invention display should be on a tri-fold board or other

self standing poster board, and include the following:

the invention or a facsimile of the invention (may be a detailed drawing)

a marketing strategy including:• cost• where sold• population targeted• any information inventor deems pertinent

a written synopsis that details what the invention is, how the invention is made, a problem that it addresses, and how it solves the problem in a new better way. (This information should be typed to make it easier for the judges to read.

any display, demonstration, etc. that the inventor(s) decides will help his/her presentation

The Day of the Event Parents may take you directly to

Yough Intermediate Middle School Gymnasium by 9:30 a.m. or drop you off at Memorial Stadium to catch the bus by 8:45 a.m.

We will need some parent drivers/judges in order to participate (see permission form.)

Permission Form

IMPORTANT! Please pay special attention to the following:

BRING THE COMPLETED FORM BACK WITH YOU

PRINT CLEARLY IN BLACK INK OR TYPE ALL INFORMATION

BE COMPLETE IN YOUR DESCRIPTION

HAVE A CLEAR, FOCUSED PICTURE ATTACHED TO THE FORM

IMPORTANT! On the competition day, each inventor

will be assigned to a section of table. The judges will come to each inventor(s) to ask questions. Inventors may visit the other displays during the time they are not being judged, but they are never to interfere with the judges’ progress. It is wise to bring work to do, games, or reading materials

How do I get started? Try to think of a problem that you’ve

encountered in everyday life and ask yourself if there is an invention idea that could fix it?

How do I get started? For example, just the other day my

family had a large pizza delivered for dinner. When the meal was over, as usual, I was left with a big bulky, messy, pizza box that doesn’t fit in my garbage can. What kind of invention could I create to solve this problem?

It’s that simple! Maybe a pizza box shredder. Or a device that rolls or folds the box

into a more manageable size or shape.

Maybe a special garbage can with a side pizza box pocket.

Due Date Please complete the permission form

below and return it to Mr. Comm no later than Fri. Nov. 22nd.

Do I have to attend? While we are encouraging everyone

to participate in The Invention Convention, you do not have to attend.

Just keep in mind that this is our big presentation for the year, except for sixth graders, who may choose the Pgh. Science Fair, instead.

Happy Inventing!