Invention Convention Parent Letter
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Dear Parent ,
This year Marshall Middle School will be participating in a special kind of science fair for our Regular 8th Grade Science Program called the Invention Convention. It is designed to promote your student's problem-solving and creative-thinking skills. Your student will be following a step-by-step process to invent a new product or develop a new method for doing something.

We will begin our preparation for the Invention Convention by having the students learn about inventors and their inventions. By doing so, we hope they will gain an appreciation for the invention process and thus be better prepared to create their own inventions. The first step in the actual invention process will be finding an idea for an invention. Your student will be encouraged to find a problem that needs to be solved. He or she may ask if you have a need for something that will help you solve a problem. Your interest and encouragement at this stage will help to make the invention process a fun learning experience for them.

Once they have settled on an idea and researched it to make sure that the idea has not been used before, an Intent to Invent form will be completed in class and brought home for your signature. They can then begin the planning stage.
As the actual process of inventing begins, your continued interest and encouragement will be helpful. Discuss the progress they are making and any problems that are encountered. Remind your student that although inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem. Once the invention has been completed, they may apply for a patent by completing a Patent Application form available through the school.

The Invention Convention will be held at on: (school date to be determined)
You are invited to attend the event. Each student's entry will be judged as will the student's knowledge of his or her invention. A Patent Certificate will be awarded to each participant.

We know your child will enjoy and benefit from this experience in scientific problem solving. Although we want you to encourage them in this inventive effort, we ask you not to become overly involved. Your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated. We hope to see you at the Invention Convention.

Sincerely,
Elaine Gillum & Erin Wiggins