Invention Convention
Empowering young inventors in grades 3–12
The Invention Convention is an exciting, hands-on project-based learning program where students in grades 3–12 use the invention process to solve real-world problems. Whether improving existing products or creating entirely new inventions, students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and pitch their ideas effectively.
Through this interdisciplinary experience, students gain 21st-century skills, build confidence, and explore innovation in a supportive and engaging environment.
Regional hub competition | Wayne County
Hosted at Wayne State University
Each spring, students in Wayne County have the opportunity to showcase their inventions at the regional competition. Educators receive ongoing support to guide students through the invention process, starting in the fall and continuing through to the competition season.
Support for educators Includes:
- Grade-specific, print-ready curriculum (optional)
- Hands-on STEM activity guidance
- Materials and tools to help students build prototypes
- Technical support for creating student pitch videos
How it works
Step 1: Form a team or work independently
- Students may work individually or in teams of up to four.
- All team members must be in the same grade range.
Step 2: Register for the regional competition
- Educators register their students and help submit online pitch videos.
- Additional project materials are brought in-person to the competition.
Step 3: Compete and advance
- Regional winners advance to the State Competition held at The Henry Ford.
- Top state winners move on to compete at U.S. Nationals held at The Henry Ford in June.
Grade groupings
One to four students per invention. Students working together on a project must be within the same grade range.
- K-2nd grade * does not qualify to compete at state level
- 3rd-5th grade
- 6th-8th grade
- 9th-12th grade
Regional hub award categories
The top projects in the following grade ranges will be awarded at the regional hub level, and will advance to the state level competition held at The Henry Ford.
- Grades K-2 *may participate in the Wayne County Hub but will not be eligible to advance to the state or national levels
- Grades 3-5
- Grades 6-8
- Grades 9-12
- Top project overall (all grades)
Student invention requirements
Prototype
Log book
Display board
Pitch video
Presentation
Download Invention Convention resources
Competition series timeline
- Educator Registration
September – January
Educators reserve space for students in a regional hub competition by completing registration including an estimated student count. Registration link is open during this window of time only.
- Invention Process Learning
October – March
Educators guide students through the invention process in preparation for competition. *Resources for educators
- Student Registration and Video Submission
March (1 week)
Educators help students register and upload recorded pitch videos to be scored online by judges prior to the in-person competition
- Video Judging Period
March (1 week)
Judges review and score student pitch videos online in advance of the regional competition.
- Regional Competition at Wayne State University
April (1 day)
Students present their inventions in person. Judges evaluate projects and announce top-scoring entries advancing to the state level for national competition. Awards ceremony is held.
- State Competition at The Henry Ford
May (1 day)
Top regional students compete at the state level in an in-person event at The Henry Ford.
- National Competition at The Henry Ford
June (multiple days)
Finalists from across the country gather for the national competition in-person at The Henry Ford.
Resources for educators
Invention Convention resources are available at the links below to help guide teachers in the classroom. The curriculums are organized under a framework that uses the seven steps of the invention process.
The log book is used to document the invention process.
- Log book (one per project)
Contact
For more information, please contact Jasmine Roberson.
If your school district is not within Wayne County, and you would like more information, please reach out to Invention Convention Michigan.
Sponsored by The Henry Ford