INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana 4-H Invention Convention, an affiliate program of Invention Convention Worldwide, recently held its inaugural showcase. About 20 students from across the state participated in the State Finals competition.
Five Indiana student inventors have been invited to advance to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, which will be held June 5-7 at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
The Indiana 4-H Invention Convention Showcase was made possible through the Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, which offers animal science, leadership, STEM, computer science, robotics, and invention programming to Indiana’s youth-serving organizations. Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Development Program hopes to grow participation in the Indiana 4-H Invention Convention in the coming years. Educators and leaders interested in utilizing Indiana 4-H Invention Convention resources in their classroom, 4-H club, or youth organization must register for Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Development Program’s next Invention Convention facilitator training on April 2.
“We couldn’t be more proud of all the students who participated in our first Indiana 4-H Invention Convention,” said Dr. Casey Mull, Purdue Extension Assistant Director and Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development. “These young inventors have remarkably demonstrated the problem-solving, creativity, STEM, and critical thinking skills necessary in today’s constantly-evolving world and will shape the leaders of tomorrow. Their tenacity and empathy make us incredibly hopeful for the future! We look forward to seeing this program and our students evolve in the future.”
First Place: Karma, Inventor of Eco-Friendly Gap Filler
Fifth Grade, Spurnica Elementary School, Nashville
“The function of my invention is to keep people from seeing through the cracks in bathroom stalls… It will help people feel safer in public restrooms.”
Second Place: Averi, Inventor of Grate Life
Fifth Grade, Spurnica Elementary School, Nashville
“The function of my invention is to prevent farmers from suffocating in grain bins… Grate Life will prevent farmers from losing their lives in grain bins. They won’t have to worry about that sort of situation ever happening because of my invention.”
Third Place: Emma, Inventor of The Book Belt
Fourth Grade, Hagerstown Elementary School, Hagerstown
“The Book Belt allows you to hold your book and do your homework at the same time. It allows you to write and hold your school book at the same time. It will help students be more efficient with homework. Adults could use this product while cooking.”
Garren, Inventor of Seed Digger
Fifth Grade, Spurnica Elementary School, Nashville
“The function of my invention is to help farmers make farmland and plant seeds fast and efficiently on big plots of land.”
Marly, Inventor of Soak It Up Bag
Fourth Grade, Hagerstown Elementary School, Hagerstown
“My invention is a swim bag that allows athletes to carry cold, soaking wet swim gear home after practice without water soaking through. The material does not absorb water. This invention will help swimmers of all ages.”
This is the first year the Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Development Program has offered the Indiana 4-H Invention Convention to students in grades K-12 and hopes to increase participation in the coming years.
Educators and leaders interested in utilizing Indiana 4-H Invention Convention resources in their classroom, 4-H club, or other youth organizations are highly encouraged to register for Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Development Program’s next Invention Convention facilitator training on April 2.
Indiana 4-H Invention Convention is an Invention Convention Worldwide-affiliated program that provides education and resources to its participating students, educators, community organization leaders, Scout leaders, 4-H organizers, and after-school providers. The Indiana 4-H Invention Convention Showcase was supported by a partnership with the Indiana State Museum and this year’s sponsors, including the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Energy Association, Indiana 4-H Foundation, and Purdue College of Agriculture Alumni Trust Fund.
