San Mateo Elementary School's 4th Annual Invention Convention will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2009.  Students in grades K through 3rd will participate in lessons about the Invention Process (Scientific Method) and will create large or small group inventions in class.  They have the option of individually entering an invention that they will create at home as well. An invention is required of all fourth graders, and fifth graders have the option of creating an invention (fifth graders will be required to participate in San Mateo's Science Fair). 

     Students in grades K - 3rd and 5th grade brought home "intent to invent" forms.  Once these forms are returned to school, the student will receive all necessary paperwork to compete.  These can also be accessed by clicking on the form names below.  You can also view pictures of past inventions by clicking on the underlined text in this sentence.

      Why encourage your child to participate in the Invention Convention? The benefits are manifold and include:

• to raise self esteem through your child's recognition of self as a creative and productive individual.
• to increase parent involvement in your child's education.
• to assist your child with application and synthesis of knowledge and skills.
• to experience the scientific method.
• to encourage creative thinking.
• to motivate your child to learn as he/she think, read, write and illustrate his/her invention.
• to integrate the school curriculum.
• to develop your child's higher order thinking skills.
• to enhance your child's library and research skills in an authentic way.

                                                      Invention Convention/ District Guidelines

                                                      Invention Convention/Individual Entry Form

                                                      Invention Convention/Group Entry Form