An 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.

 Some basic concepts will help all inventors to achieve success.

 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.

 Simple inventions that enhance daily life have fared just as well as those which are large in scope.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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

 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.)

 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

 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

 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?

 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?

 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.

 Please complete the permission form below and return it to Mr. Comm no later than Fri. Nov. 22nd.

 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.