Creativity, innovation, creative thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills are buzz words we hear in today’s economic discussions. The MSIC has been providing access to curriculum and resources that nurture these traits for Minnesota students since 1986.
State Event: The Minnesota Inventors Congress provides an opportunity for a select group of Minnesota students to participate in its annual invention expo, through the Minnesota Student Inventors Congress program. Students who have put into practice the skills developed in the curriculum are invited to exhibit their products on the showroom floor in the same hall as the other exhibitors. They answer questions from the public and receive feedback about their idea. During the event a special workshop is hosted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the students and their families. Feedback over the years has been exceptionally positive from both the parents and the students. Additional special attractions are brought in each year to add to the students’ experience!
Additional special attractions the students experience: Shows like the 3M Visiting Wizards and a special session conducted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Save the Date: Invention & Idea Show 2012 will be held in Redwood Falls MN!!
Age/Grade: Any student in grades K-12 can benefit from the resources.
Thanks to funding support from the Minnesota Legislature, the MSIC is pleased to continue providing resources to help nurture creative thinking skills in students. An invention curriculum designed in the late 80’s (recently updated in 2008 by the Metro ECSU’s Success Beyond the Classroom/Young Inventors Fair) has helped develop creative thinking skills in over 10,000 students in the past 20 years. The curriculum is a thorough step by step method, complete with activities, forms and resources. Anyone outside of the Young Inventors Fair boundary, who resides in Minnesota can access a hard copy of this curriculum through the MSIC.
Why should I attend the expo?
This is a great family event. There are sessions for students to learn about inventing, the 3M Visiting Wizards host a demonstration that teaches that science is fun on both days of the event, and the student inventions are always the hit of the show!! The students showcase their inventions from 1:30 – 3:30 both days. From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. children won’t want to miss this attraction: Invention Creation Station or the Art Creation Station. Build a model of your artistic or scientific idea. Use a fantastic variety of gears, rods, doodads and thingamabobs and even including thingamajigs that will express your creative nature. Take home this fabulous hand build concept and share your own inventive spirit.
Top ten reasons to attend our Invention & Idea Show:
1. You are interested in new products and ideas and know that the fee of $5.00 is a great price to pay for admission and children under 16 are FREE.
2. You are a manufacturer and are interested in adding to your existing product lines.
3. You like to invest in new ventures and are looking for a new opportunity.
4. You are a product scout and are looking for new products to represent.
5. You are new to the inventing process and want to see what an invention expo is all about.
6. You like to shop for new products.
7. You are looking for consultants and companies that may be able to help you as you develop your idea.
8. You haven’t missed a show in 54 years and won’t miss the 55th event.
9. You provide services for inventors and are looking for new customers.
10. You have attended in the past and know that it is a wonderful way to spend a few hours in Tatanka Bluffs, the heart of the Minnesota River Valley.
