Dear Parent,
This year our class will be participating in a special kind of science fair * called the Invention
Convention. It is designed to promote your child's problem-solving and creative-thinking skills.
Your child will be following a step-by-step process to invent a new product or develop a new
method for doing something.
*As discussed with the class, your child will be able to choose whether they want to do an invention or a
Science Fair project. Details about the Science Fair are coming soon.
We began our preparation for the Invention Convention by having the students learn about
inventors and their inventions. By doing so, we hope the students will gain an appreciation for the
invention process and thus be better prepared to create their own inventions. The first step in the
actual invention process will be finding an idea for an invention. Your child has been encouraged
to find a problem that needs to be solved and list three ideas. Once turned in, I will meet with your
child to determine which invention looks best.
Once your child has settled on an idea and researched it to make sure that the idea has not been
used before, an Invention Convention packet will be sent home and your child can then begin the
planning stage.
As your child begins the actual process of inventing, your continued interest and encouragement
will be helpful. Discuss the progress he or she is making and any problems that are encountered.
Remind your child that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain
persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem. Once the invention has
been completed, your child may apply for a patent by completing a Patent Application form
available through your child’s teacher.
The Invention Convention will be held on Friday, April 11th. Specific times will be sent out closer
to the event.
You are invited to attend the event. Each student's entry will be judged as will the student's
knowledge of his or her invention. A Patent Certificate will be awarded to each participant.
We know your child will enjoy and benefit from this experience in scientific problem solving.
Although we want you to encourage to your child in this inventive effort, we ask you not to
become overly involved in your child's project. Your support and cooperation are greatly
appreciated. We hope to see you at the Invention Convention.
Intent to Invent Plan
On a separate piece of paper, type or right out answers to the questions below.
Be sure to give detailed answers and pay attention to how many points each
part is worth.
Describe the problem or improvement that inspired your invention (15 points)
How do you intend on solving or improving your problem?(10 points)
What topics did you research to make sure your invention is authentic? (10
points)
What materials and steps do you plan on taking in making your prototype?(10
points)
Who is your target audience?(5 points)
Research and Development
On a separate piece of paper, type or right out answers to the questions below.
Be sure to give detailed answers and pay attention to how many points each
part is worth.
Give a detailed description of your invention.(20 points)
Describe and list the materials of your prototype.(10 points)
What problems did you encounter?(15 points)
Give a detailed “pitch”. Include what the problem is and how your product is the
solution. This should convince me that I cannot live without your
product.(30points)
Finished Product
Requirements/Suggestions
Be sure to make plans for displaying your invention at the Invention Convention
on Friday, April 11th.
Required:
-an attractive display (Science Board)
-create a promotion plan through posters or other eye-catching materials
-display a prototype of your invention
Suggestions:
-design packaging for your invention
-create an advertisement for your invention
The Invention Convention Judging Form
Name of Inventor_______________________
Title of Invention_______________________
Judge(Shark)__________________________
Circle the appropriate rating (5 being the highest)
1.
Does this invention identify and address a problem?
5
4
3
2
1
2. How well has this inventor done research and provided evidence to show that no similar
process or product exists?
5
4
3
2
1
3. How knowledgeable and enthusiastic is the inventor about the invention?
5
4
3
2
1
4. How well is this invention designed and/or constructed?
5
4
3
2
1
5. How effectively has the inventor advertised and presented the invention?
5
4
3
2
1
6. Has the inventor has provided required documentation for a patent?
5
4
3
2
1
Total Points:_______
Timeline
3 Invention Ideas
February 10th
Intent to Invent Plan
February 18th
Research and Development
April 8th
Invention Convention
April 11th
Invention Convention Rubric
Ideas-15 points
Intent to Invent Plan-50 points
Research and Development-75 points
Prototype-20 points
Display-30 points
Knowledge of Product-20 points
Total=210 points
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read the Invention Convention packet and have reviewed the due dates with my
child. I understand that each fifth grade student will be completing an individual project
at home.
Parent Signature ______________________
Student Name ________________________