Rules for K-8 AEA 13 Invention Convention

Rules for K-8 AEA 13 Invention Convention

Rules for K-8 AEA 13 Invention Convention

These rules must be shared with both students and parents

March 1, 2008 – Abraham Lincoln High School

Eligibility

  1. A maximum of four K-6 inventions and two 7thor 8th grade inventions can represent their district at the AEA Invention Convention; however, only grades 3-8 are eligible to advance to Invent Iowa. If no 7th or 8th graders from your district participate, you may send six (6) K-6 inventions.***Districts with 500 K-6 students may bring 8 inventions instead of 4.***
  1. The invention may be the product of a single inventor or a team of two inventors. Only one invention is allowed per inventor/team.

Inventions

  1. Inventions must be a completely new product or a significant new application of an existing product. The invention must be the original work of the student(s). Although younger inventors may receive adult assistance with power tools in constructing the model, prototype, or display, all creative design and problem-solving activities associated with the invention must reflect the original work of the student(s).

Invention Display & Model or Prototype

  1. Displays should include the following:

-name of the invention & inventor(s)

-statement of the idea identified & the role of the invention in addressing it

-diagram of the invention that provides evidence that it will work

-model OR prototype of the invention that provides evidence that it will work

-Inventor’s Log that documents inventor’s thought processes & chronological

development of the invention (rough form is OK for AEA IC, polished for state)

-documentation that a similar invention does not exist

Students must assume responsibility for delivery of the invention & display to and from the

convention site. Registration AND set-up must be completed by 9 AM. Inventors must also

take the display down & clean their display area.

Inventions must be self-contained and displays MUST FIT within a 36” X 36” table space

provided at the convention (no height limitation). If floor space is needed instead, prior

notification (to Sondy Laughlin, 800-432-5804) must be given. A 36” X 36” floor space will be provided instead oftable space. Invention AND display must fit together in that space.

No invention may use both floor AND table space.

Batteries and electrical power (prior notification required- to Sondy Laughlin 800-432-

5804 and inventor must bring power cord) are welcomed, but no running water or additional

resources can be provided at the convention. Inventions must be safe and must present no

danger to those attending the convention. No live animals allowed. Toxic or volatile

materials, high-pressure gases, and open flames or heating elements are specifically

prohibited. Inventions that involve these items should include only a representative prototype

and photographs. No invention resembling a firearm in appearance or action will be an

acceptable entry.

Invention Convention Rules for K-8

Page 2

Invention Presentation

  1. Inventions are to be shared in each building prior to the AEA 13 Convention.
  1. Students should be prepared to give a BRIEF (2 – 3 minutes) presentation to the evaluation team stating the identification of the problem, the process of developing the invention, and how the invention works to solve the problem. Students should also be prepared to answer questions concerning the invention. See the Evaluation Rubric for the specific criteria that will be evaluated.

Evaluation

  1. Inventors in grades 3 – 8 will be evaluated (see Evaluation Rubric) by a team of evaluators with the 30 most notable inventions advancing to Invent Iowa. The K-2 non-competitive inventors will present to the evaluators and receive written feedback, as well as recognition for participation. Inventors are encouraged to examine other inventions and interact with other inventors.
  1. Criteria for evaluation (see specifics on evaluation rubric):

Novelty

Usefulness

Appeal

Diagram

Invention/Prototype

Log

Oral Presentation

Registration

Inventors are responsible for transporting their inventions to Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs and having registration AND set-up completed by 9:00 a.m.

Questions? Contact Sondy Laughlin: 800-432-5804 or

Top View