Shenendehowa Inventors Program
The Shenendehowa Inventors program is an
extra-curricular enrichment program that is focused on the inventing process. By
participating in this program, Shen Inventors express creativity and ingenuity
by utilizing their scientific, technological, mathematical, language arts and
artistic skills. During the project development process, the Shen Inventor will
be brainstorming, identifying problems and solutions, designing the invention,
conducting research to find new ideas or improvements, and preparing a poster
displaying the invention. The goal is to stimulate the development of
creativity, imagination and entrepreneurship in students grades K-8.
To the Parents:
Your support and encouragement is very important to
your child’s success at school, and we ask you to support your sons and
daughters in joining this special program. Encourage your sons and
daughters to participate in this extra-curricular enrichment program by having
your child be a problem-solver in your home! Please provide positive
reinforcement by encouraging ideas, even those that may seem unfamiliar or
unusual, especially in the early stages of the program.
Your involvement is strongly encouraged; however,
it is important that the invention ideas, illustrations and descriptions are the
student’s own. Parents may provide advice concerning research but are not
allowed to assist any participants with the required diagram of the invention.
GRADES K-5 ONLY! Your child may dictate his/her
ideas for the display board for you to type or write, depending on their age and
abilities. You may transcribe the inventor’s actual words but you should not
paraphrase.
INVENTOR RULES
You can invent and submit a practical invention and/or a fantasy invention
A group of students can work on one invention
Computer generated or hand written diagrams and descriptions are
acceptable
You can improve on a previously patented invention
Originality is heavily weighted in judging
Inventor Guidance
Identify an idea. The better you are at defining your idea, the more
likely you will be able to describe it on your poster as an effective
improvement, idea or new product. Do you want your invention to do it’s "job"
all on its own or along with something else? Will it be a process, product or
both?
If you’re to come up with something that could be improved or a way things
are done now then brainstorm: Can you substitute, make it different, combine
ideas, make it better, make it smaller, add to it?
Do your research. Find out what makes your invention different or find
ways to make it different.
Draw your idea. Think about what it might look like and how you might use
it. What kind of materials is it made of? What are some names it could be
called? Can 1 or many people use it at the same time? Do you need to provide
instructions? What are they? How does your invention improve something or an
environment of some sort? What are the parts and pieces? Do you use it with
something else or on its own?
Get thoughts and reactions. Does it work (in theory)? Will people like it?
Will people buy it?
DISPLAY POSTER
You can buy two boards, cut one in half to make the
two sides and connect them to the middle part. So long as the project is able to
stand on its own, you may use one board to suit your needs. An example is shown
below. Each invention must have a display poster, which has the required
information. It must include:
1. The inventor’s name or the group of names, school
and the grade.
2. The title of the invention.
3. A detailed diagram of the invention with labels
explaining its operation and parts.
4. Answers to these questions:
a. What problem is solved/need that is
addressed?
b. How does the invention work?
c. What is the invention made of?
d. What research did you do to make sure your
invention is new or improved?
FAQ
:
- Do I need a model of my invention?
NO, the model is not necessary.
But, it does help display how your invention works! The best inventions are
made with whatever materials and parts you want to use. The model should be
sturdy. You do not have to purchase special materials for you to be a
Shenendehowa Inventor!
Where and When? The display date for the inventions is Saturday,
February 13, 2010 at the Clifton Park Center Mall at the Boscov’s corridor.
Drop off time is 8:00 AM and pickup time is 4:00 PM. Judging will be through
the day. Projects not picked up by 4:00 pm will be discarded unless you make
other arrangements in advance with your school rep.
Where can I find additional information? There is a website with more
information on this program at
www.shenet.org. Please call any of
the school representatives on the flyer if you need any assistance during the
invention process.
What should I bring to the mall on the Display Date? Your project and
3 copies of the Judging form filled out with your name, invention name, grade
and teacher.
Do I get anything for participating? Each inventor receives a Shen
Inventors T-shirt and blue, red or white award ribbon depending on placing 1st,
2nd, or 3rd. Each inventor also receives a medal
commemorating their participation in Shen Inventors.
What is the Invention Convention? The
Invention Convention is a statewide competition for inventions.
The materials you prepare for Shen Inventors are used to enter the
Invention Convention. Invention disclosures for the Capital Region
Invention Convention are due February 8, 2010. This competition is
not affiliated with Shen Inventors. For additional information on the Capital
Region Invention Convention (regional competition) visit this link:
http://www.crd.ge.com/invent/ .
Will there be any video taping? None is planned though there may be
taping of the projects and/or students at the event or at a later date.
What are some examples of inventions? You can find a list of 2009
winning inventions from the Capital Region Invention Convention
http://www.crd.ge.com/invent/winners.html . Some
include "crumb catcher"; "leaning tower of power"; "color changing retainer";
"droolinator".
What other sources can I use to help research?
Google.com
Uspto.gov
Howstuffworks.com
Bkfk.com (idea locker)
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