| Invention Convention |
School Groups
 Louisville's Thomas Edison House is a tribute to the man
Life magazine in 1997 called the Most Significant Person
of the Millennium. Edison's life, during which he earned
a mind-boggling 1,093 patents, serves as an inspiration and
a testament to the love of learning and the joy of discovery.
The house/museum is especially dedicated to sharing the Edison
story with school children, and has developed educational
programs for elementary-age students to enjoy. The programs
highlight Edison's own love of learning and his drive to
find a better way to do just about everything he encountered
throughout his long and productive life.
"Genius is hard work, stick-to-itiveness, and common
sense."
Invention Convention
 The Invention Convention has become Edison House's signature
program. The Invention Convention is a learning module built
around the process of inventing a new device or a new way
to perform a task. Students develop their brainstorming,
critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while having
fun and exhibiting their creativity. The program was started
in 1992 by two teachers at Louisville's Brandeis Elementary
School and now several schools participate annually. Thomas
Edison House has coordinated the program since 1993.
Students keep an Inventor's Log explaining their invention
and the steps they went through to conceive and develop it.
Each student who participates receives an Invention Convention
T-shirt. Schools may choose to host a judged competition
for participants. Each participant creates an invention that
fits into one of the following categories:
- Best Invention (one in each grade level/age group)
- Best Environmental Invention
- Best Household Invention
- Best Safety-Related Invention
- Best Invention Providing Aid for the Physically Challenged
In addition, some of the winning inventions are placed
on display at the museum's celebration of Edison's birthday
in February.
Resources: (right click and choose "save as" to download)
Invention Convention Registration Form
Invention Convention Evaluation
Invention Convention Teachers Guide |
