CONNECTICUT INVENTION CONVENTION
www.ctinventionconvention.org
P.O. Box 230311, Hartford, CT 06123
860-793-5299
[email protected]
Introducing the Connecticut Invention Convention
Purpose, Process, and Implementation
The Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC) is a 33 year-old program, which builds standards-based
inquiry skills in children by introducing and leading them through the creation of their own invention, to
solve a problem of their own choosing. In 2015, over 15,000 students in grades K to 8 from 219 schools
across Connecticut participated in this life-changing experience.
Invention is . . .
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Standards Based – A proven educational unit, which “covers the standards” effortlessly and naturally.
STEM Integrated – Linked with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as English,
economics, sociology, presentation skills, information technology, art, marketing, and much more.
Differentiated Education - Accommodates different student needs and learning styles - Every child
participates and all will benefit from the experience.
Founded on higher order thinking skills - Problem-defining and problem-solving techniques are
taught and utilized.
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21 Century Skills Related – An age-appropriate way to link personal growth, learning paths, and
global issues
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Connecticut Invention Convention Celebrates Its 32 Year
“Kids Inventing the Future since 1983”
Background:
The Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the “longest continuously
operating program for student inventors” in the nation, founded in Connecticut in 1983 and now celebrating its
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33 year:
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Over 15,000 K-8 students are involved in the CIC school-based programs annually.
Students compete in their schools and winners present their inventions at the state convention in
May, attended by 6,000+ at Gampel Pavilion, hosted by the UConn School of Engineering.
More than 300,000 student inventors have been created by CIC programs in past 32 years
CIC inventors are historically 50% girls (In 2014 - 52%)
CIC inventors are at least 20% minority students through programs in under-served schools. (In
2014- 24%)
CIC inventors pursue entrepreneurship through patenting, investment, and commercialization.
CIC’s mission is to provide students with opportunities to develop creative problem-solving techniques through
inventing, innovating and entrepreneurial activities leading to greater consideration of STEM careers in high
school and college. CIC’s goal is to have every child in every school become an inventor once, better twice.
CONNECTICUT INVENTION CONVENTION
www.ctinventionconvention.org
P.O. Box 230311, Hartford, CT 06123
860-793-5299
[email protected]
How Does Invention Fit Into my School or Program?
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A flexible and expandable program, which fits many time frames and instructional situations, before,
during, and after school.
Easy to begin small. Invent with a single class, an after school club, a scout troop, etc.
Medium sized program can involve a whole grade level, a middle school team, an entire science roster.
Large programs are multiple grade levels, school wide or even town wide.
Benefits to School/Program
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Connecticut Core and NGSS Standards based instruction
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The program may be offered K - 8.
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Inexpensive program – an original “Green” Initiative
Community involvement is integral
Recognition at the local and state level for a different set
of skills in a variety of disciplines
Flexible program design
o School wide
o Grade wide
o Elementary or Secondary
o After-school Program
o Home school
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Benefits to Students
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Student generated process - students identify and solve a problem
Opportunity for original creativity and innovativeness
Chance to be recognized for their engineering talent and most get to use hand tools
Opportunity for personal growth and building of self-esteem
Enhanced communication and research skills
Real life opportunity to achieve something for the good of all
Encourages girls to participate in STEM, over 50% of CIC inventors are girls
Diverse participation with more than 20% of the inventors from minority and under-served populations
The Details
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The program typically takes between 6-10 weeks in the winter and early spring, culminating with
a "local invention convention" of student participants.
The school program may then send the top local participants to the CT Invention Convention
State Finals event at Gampel Pavilion, UConn, Storrs in May.
A full curriculum is available to teachers complete with
o 100+ lesson plans for grades K to 8
o a clear alignment to national and Connecticut standards,
o a ‘how to” road map for planning and executing a local invention convention
CIC offers teacher training workshops throughout the year including hands-on training
Outreach support presentations to get students and parents informed and involved
Promotional videos and literature are available
One low registration fee enables your school to access all materials on-line