This 12-week course guides and mentors students to develop, prototype & build their own invention projects! This hands-on course focuses on the process of creative invention development, as well as how to present the invention to share it with others. Students will also learn about patents and trademarks. 

The course utilizes a proven invention curriculum developed by the Invention Convention. The Invention Convention program is a yearly competition sponsored by the Henry Ford Museum that teaches students problem-identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills and builds confidence in invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Students interested in submitting to the Invention Convention are prepped to submit their projects to the Invention Convention in their state/country. Participation in the Invention Convention is fully optional.

The instructor will teach students the invention process and support students to develop their own projects over the course of 12 sessions (meeting once a week), as follows:

Sessions 1-4, Phase 1: Brainstorming, Research & Solutions Development
Sessions 5-8, Phase 2: Prototyping & Testing; Naming the Invention
Sessions 9-12, Phase 3: Final Building & Presentation Materials

Homework (approx. 1-2 hours per week) will be assigned to help students reach their invention goals at each stage of the process. In addition to the scheduled group class sessions, the instructor will provide individualized guidance and help to students and parents as needed during the week. Parental assistance may be needed to help students gather supplies for their invention and to shoot a video presentation of their entry. 

Note: Students will be guided to prepare presentation materials that help them to develop and communicate their inventions, including an invention logbook, invention presentation board and invention video. These materials will also enable them to enter the Invention Convention (entry deadline in March/April). Entering the Invention Convention is completely optional. Students who would like to explore making inventions (without entering the competition) are also encouraged to take this course. 

The Invention Convention has local Chapters several U.S. states, as well as some other countries outside the U.S. Students without a local chapter may also be able to enter as an Independent Inventor. The instructor can help parents research the specific guidelines for their Invention Convention Chapter as needed. After entering the local Chapter competition, local winners will be selected to proceed to the U.S. National Invention Convention competition.