Invention Convention comes to Alabama

Have you ever wondered how to prevent cake batter from splattering when using a blender or how to determine the ripeness and shelf life of fruit? Middle-grade inventors at the inaugural Invention Convention tackled these challenges and more.

The ISTEM Connectory at Auburn University hosted Alabama’s first-ever Invention Convention on Saturday, April 5. The competition brought together 43 student teams at the Sciences Center Buildings on Auburn’s campus where they showcased their innovative inventions.

Invention Convention is a national initiative that equips students with essential skills in problem identification, creative problem-solving, entrepreneurship and innovation. The program aims to foster confidence in invention and entrepreneurship, empowering students at the school, local, regional and national levels.

"Participating in Invention Convention provided my students with invaluable skills in time management, creative problem-solving and innovative thinking," said Pepper Dellinger, a Computer Science and STEM teacher at Loachapoka Schools. "They learned how to tackle challenges, generate unique solutions and communicate effectively with one another.

“The experience also emphasized the importance of refining ideas through feedback and reinforced that their ideas and curiosity are meaningful. This event empowered my students to pursue their passions with confidence."

The competition featured top student innovators from seven schools throughout Alabama. The final four projects earned the opportunity to compete at the national event at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, this June.

The top project heading to the national competition is an invention by fifth-grader Emma Brodbeck, called LexiSpecx. Brodbeck's invention consists of glasses with a dial to change the lens color, helping students with Dyslexia.

“I discovered that changing the color of the page can prevent words from moving around on the page,” said Brodbeck. “I loved building the prototype and was thrilled when my friend gave the glasses a five-star review.”

An eighth-grade duo from Loachapoka, Aalisha Pitts and Aumazia Finley, also stood out with their invention: a set of markers designed to stay connected, preventing them from being lost.

"Designing my prototype for Invention Convention really sparked my creativity," said Pitts. "This experience has challenged me to think more deeply about design and problem-solving."

Invention Convention emphasizes a transdisciplinary approach to real-world problem-solving and phenomenon-based learning.

"This is just the beginning of what I envision this event becoming," said Mary Lou Ewald, director of the College of Sciences and Mathematics Outreach office and the Alabama Invention Convention. “I am excited to see how the students will apply the skills they gained, and I look forward to watching the program growing in the coming years.”

For information on how your school can get involved with Invention Convention, please contact Mary Lou Ewald at ewaldml@auburn.edu.