The Invention Convention - Let's Get Started!

Inventing is easy! It might not seem like it at first, but all you need is a problem and a brain, and you could be an inventor!

For the Invention Convention, your Invention Convention Student Journal is where you need to start. If you don't have one with you, ask your teacher (or you can download a journal here). You can also check out the "THINK LINKS" section of this website for help in getting started. And make sure you read about 'things to remember' at the bottom of this page.

Here is one process for inventing that many people and companies use - it's broken down into 3 phases (Brainstorming, Evaluating, and Development). Many successful inventor use these steps, and it's as easy as 1 - 2 - 3.

BRAINSTORMING: First you need to just think. When you are brainstorming don't evaluate or criticize your ideas or, if you are working in a team - other people's ideas. You rank your ideas later, but right now, just think and write. Write, write, write!!! No idea is too silly, because sometimes 'bad' ideas lead to great inventions. So have fun during brainstorming, because this step can be a lot of fun.

If you're having trouble brainstorming here are some things that you can do to get started. (if you think of some more things - let us know and we can share your process with other kids to help them too.) Look around the room, go into a different room, go outside, walk around looking at things in your house or garage, and try to find something you could make better. Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, and Garages are great places to get new ideas. Once you have your ideas, sit down and brainstorm some more.

Now its time to organize your ideas. You can organize your ideas any way you want. Pick the ideas from the list that really interest you. An idea or two that you think will be fun and exciting to invent. (And if you don't have an idea yet, that's ok - inventing takes time, just continue brainstorming until you find your invention.)

EVALUATING: Now that you've chosen your favorite two ideas, it's time to chose which one is best for you to work with. And don't forget, if you come up with a new idea during this step, it's ok, you can brainstorm anytime!

DEVELOPMENT: Finally, once you've chosen your top two ideas you can start developing them. Draw sketches of your idea. Write down all of the details about your invention - size, color, how it works, everything! Answer questions from your student journal. What problem will your invention solve? How will it work?

You can always ask people what they think of your idea. Like gramps or your neighbor - but don't worry if they don't like your idea. And if they tell you 'you can't do it' just wait until you show them that you can! Feedback is important, but don't let doubters rain on your parade. You can do it whether or not everyone believes in you. Because we believe in you, and when you develop your idea you can go back and show the pessimists that 'yes you can!'

And last but not least, record everything that you do in your journal, and then get ready for the Invention Convention!!!

That's just one way you can get started. Remember these aren't rules; whatever works best for you is the right way for you. There are as many ways to invent as there are things to invent. (Now if you tell your mom or dad that you need to eat Donato's Pizza every meal so that you can become the next Thomas Edison that probably won't work. Of course if you win The Invention Convention and get a college scholarship, you can probably get them to buy you a pizza or two.)

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Here are some important things to remember when you start:

1. Be patient. Sometimes inventing takes time. Your first idea might not work, in fact it probably won't work, but don't be discouraged. Do you think Thomas Edison invented the phonograph on his first try? You have to allow yourself time to think. This isn't homework, it's an opportunity for you to be you.
2. Listen to yourself. Pay attention to your thoughts and to the world around you. Listen and see if you hear "Wouldn't it be cool if..." in your thoughts. If you hear yourself think "I wish I could do that" or "Is there anything that can do this?" You are just one step away from creating the next best new invention.
3. Prioritize your biggest problems. Think about "If I could change one thing today what would it be?" Start thinking of things you would change. Write down as much as you can as fast as you can. Don't think, just write! You can think later, but right now you just want to write stuff down.
4. If you're having a hard time starting, try again later. You may have a good idea, but maybe if you try it again you'll have a better idea, or maybe just more great inventions! You're allowed to invent more than one thing, we encourage that (but you're only allowed to submit one of your great inventions a year to the Invention Convention).

Good Luck!!! You can do it!

About The Invention Convention

The Invention Convention is the place where you can share your invention with other kids, parents, and teachers. Plus you can win some cool stuff too! Maybe a trip to Camp Invention, a Savings Bond, or even a College Scholarship!

The Invention Convention itself is a competition where inventions are judged and prizes are awarded to the top entries. In the past 11 years, over $400,000 in college scholarships have been awarded as well as many savings bonds and Camp Invention scholarships.

The day is a ton of fun. You get to tell people about your wonderful idea. How you came up with your idea, how your invention works, and what problem it solves.

For the details about the day itself, you can go to the "I.C. EVENT DAY" section of this Web site.