Third Graders' Creativity Shines in Invention Convention
Move over Shark Tank inventors and patent attorneys get ready for some amazing, new kid-invented products. Third graders at Wilder Elementary in Littleton, Colorado joined Steve early one morning to share their inventions and solutions to common everyday problems.
The annual Invention Convention takes the lead over the classic science fair in asking kids to solve problems with their own inventions. Many parents and teachers in elementary schools are organizing “Invention Conventions” in place of the traditional science fairs and kids are responding in record numbers with great ideas. The non-competitive, highly supportive nature of events these inspire kids to identify everyday problems, brainstorm creative ideas, and, ultimately, invent a solution that makes us all say, “I wish I had thought of that!”
Many inventors find things that happen in their daily life that cause them to think of some problem in a new way. The inventor of VELCRO ® thought of his invention while removing burrs from his pet’s fur after walking in the woods. Eli Whitney watched a cat pull feathers through a cage — it was how he thought of the invention now known as the cotton gin. Silly Putty was discovered accidentally when the General Electric Company attempted to find a substitute for rubber during World War II. Over 200 million plastic eggs, containing 3,000 tons of Silly Putty, have been sold since 1949. Good ideas are everywhere and inside of everyone. The Invention Convention brings out the inventor in elementary school kids. No idea is a bad idea.
A patent attorney in the Wilder community shared this important resource for protecting ideas.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office offers a number of resources to help young inventors learn more about protecting their creations. Check out the following website for more kid-friendly information about inventions and patents:
This is really awesome! Great job guys! I love seeing kids with their invention ideas. These invention ideas for the youth can really make one boring afternoon into something fun. I think there’s no need for a scientist or an expert to give inspiration to these kids in order for them to explore and get what they really want to achieve beyond their traditional intellect. Let’s give these kids a chance to explore creative and brilliant things outside their shell and make learning fun. Thanks!