FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information:
Who can participate in this event?
Any Pennsylvania student in grades Kindergarten through grades 12.
How can students from my class compete in the PA Invention Convention?
- Each school is welcome to hold a local, school-wide, or class-wide Invention Convention competition/open house to recognize all of the participating students.
- Students will submit a online application.
- Inventions will be judged and FINALISTS will be invited to the face-to-face, statewide PA Invention Convention event.
- 1st Place winners will be invited to Invention Convention (U.S. Nationals).
Is there a registration fee for virtual submissions?
No.
Can we participate in a team?
Yes, invention teams can have up to 4 students.
What is a logbook?
A logbook is a journal that the student keeps from the very beginning that helps the student structure their invention thinking/process and also helps to document their path to invention (important for patent filings.). In programs that use logbooks, students will start their very earliest conceptual thinking in a logbook and chronicle this as it iterates to a completed project. You are encouraged to upload design documents in your registration for the Pennsylvania Invention Convention. First place winners of the Pennsylvania Invention Convention will be invited to Invention Convention (U.S. Nationals). A log book is required for the Invention Convention (U.S. Nationals).
How are finalists selected to attend the statewide Pennsylvania Invention Convention?
Judges will score virtual project submissions using this scoring rubric (located under the RESOURCES tab). The highest rated teams will be invited to the state event.
How is this different from other Engineering and Science Programs?
Each student determines the problem he wants to solve based on issues he has experienced in his own life. Students are challenged to create a real-world, practical invention of their own design.
Does the PA Invention Convention cover travel expenses to the state competition or the national competition?
No, travel expenses are the responsibility of participants. Students are encouraged to ask schools for travel reimbursement. Other travel expense options include fundraising on http://www.donorschoose.org. Students and teachers may wish to apply for travel grants if these are offered by your local Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and/or school foundation.
Virtual Submissions
Can I use a script to talk about my invention in my video?
While you may use a script to discuss your invention, it is discouraged, as your notecards may be distracting and result in a loss of points in the communication section of the rubric. However, a student may use their display board as a guide, but try to get so comfortable with your pitch, that you do not need a script! Practice your pitch often and have adults ask you questions about your invention while you practice. This should help you get comfortable with your pitch.
When will Competitors (Virtual or Regional) know if they qualify for States?
Official invitations to states will be issued in early January.
States
Is there a registration fee for the state Pennsylvania Invention Convention?
No, though attending states will likely require funding for travel.
How much space do we have to display our invention?
The event supports a maximum trifold display board sized 48” wide (24” with both 12” sides folded in) by 36” tall and the trifold is expected to fit onto a footprint of no more than 30” wide (with sides folded in) on the tabletop. Your protype must fit within this space on the table as well, or in front of the table, provided it does not encroach upon neighboring prototypes. Note: electrical outlets are NOT available on competition display floor. Any prototypes requiring electricity must be battery powered, with batteries provided by the inventor.
How do projects move from the PA State Competition to the Invention Convention (US Nationals) in Dearborn, MI at The Henry Ford?
First place winners are invited to attend the US Nationals as well as some other qualifying categories.
Can guests attend the Pennsylvania Invention Convention (Finalist Event)?
Yes.
What will the role of educators/chaperones be at the event?
Educators/Chaperones will be wholly responsible for their students traveling without a parent from their departure to the event state venue.
Are educators who are not chaperoning students allowed to attend?
Yes! We would love to have you join us.
U.S. Nationals
When will State Competitors know if they qualify for Nationals?
First place winners at states as well as some special invitations will be invited to Nationals. Details of that will be shared as soon as the state team has them from the National Organization. This is usually in April. Nationals occur in early June.
Will Invention Convention (U.S. Nationals) be just like the Pennsylvania Invention Convention?
What’s likely to be different at nationals is the use of “judging circles” which are different than one-on-one judge interviews. In the judging circle format, you will speak to and be asked questions by evaluators and peers–other student inventors. Be prepared to be inquisitive and curious about your fellow inventors’ inventions.
Is there a registration fee for the Invention Convention (US Nationals)?
Yes, there is a fee as well as travel expenses.
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