Inventors’ Celebration
The annual Inventors' Celebration is one of the three key components to the Young Inventors' Program—providing students the opportunity to share their creativity with their peers from around the state and receive recognition and be awarded for their efforts.
Students set up their invention presentations with a sense of accomplishment as proud parents look on. The children are eager to share their ideas with anyone passing by, practicing their pitches for the judges yet to come. One parent wrote in her evaluation that the best part of the celebration was, “observing the fun and wonder of creative thinking!” Another wrote, “You did a great job inspiring and motivating the students of New Hampshire.” The parent of an 8th grader wrote, “He loves inventing and is very gifted in mechanical construction. This program has given him a chance to use his abilities. Thank you!”
Teachers also had very positive things to say about this celebration. One commented, “I loved the organization of the day.” Another thought the best part was “the experience of creating something from their own ideas.” Many reflected on invention as being “a chance to put their minds in action to be challenged!”
the New Hampshire celebration
New Hampshire's statewide celebration is held each March at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook, NH. Sponsored by Fidelity Investments, the celebration brings together approximately 200 students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills and be rewarded and recognized for their efforts.
LOCAL SCHOOL INVENTION CONVENTION
The process of planning and holding an invention celebration is thoroughly detailed in the Meant to Invent Teacher's Guide. These celebrations can be held on a regional or statewide level.
Once your class has completed their inventions there are many ways to hold an invention convention. It can be as small as your classroom or you can involve the entire school. Ask teachers or parents from another grade to judge. Bring in a guest speaker to talk about invention and creativity. Give out awards to winners – they don’t have to be expensive. Make it a celebration! Have refreshments in the cafeteria. Invite parents, grandparents and siblings to attend the invention fair.
AWARDS
Awards medallions, designed by the Academy of Applied Science, are awarded to students at the annual celebration for: Best in Grade, environmental, special needs, fun and leisure, practical and useful, original and unique, most marketable, Rube Goldberg Best Team Effort, Best Individual Effort, Original and Unque and Most Complex. Award Medallions will also be given for three new Reduce, Reuse and Recycle inventions.
Special Awards will also be given for the following categories: Solar, Medical, Joyce Kenne Scholarship, Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Inventors’ Choice Awards
