Teachers
2023 Registration
Online registration for the 22-23 program has concluded. To inquire about participation, please contact Kerry Macfarland (kerry@ctinventionconvention.org)
Why Adopt the CIC Program?
It Works
It's Inspirational
It's Flexible
The Connecticut Invention Convention builds standards-based inquiry skills in students K-12 by introducing and leading them through the creation of their own invention to solve a problem of their own choosing.
CIC is...
- NGSS and Connecticut Core Standards Based – The process of invention covers most standards effortlessly and naturally.
- Not your typical STEM program...we are so much more – Linked with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as English Language Arts, Humanities, entrepreneurship, economics, sociology, presentation skills, information technology, art, and much more.
- Founded on Higher Order Thinking Skills - Invention involves problem-defining, problem-solving, engineering, and iteration. These skills stretch the mind to analyze, evaluate, and reflect.
- 21st Century Skills Related – Inventors learn all of the skills they need for college and career readiness, regardless of age…even kindergarteners invent and present to judges!
- Differentiated Education - Inventors control their own learning, so invention accommodates different student needs and learning styles. Everyone can invent!
It's Flexible
It's Inspirational
It's Flexible
The CIC program is open to all K-12 students both in and out of school. We provide the resources for students to learn invention and then the venue for your students to present their hard work. The program’s flexibility allows you to teach the program in a variety of settings and in the timeframe your school or program needs.
Implementation Possibilities:
- A flexible program, ideally 6-12 weeks or more, which fits many time frames; before, during, and after school.
- You can begin small. Invent with a single class, an after school club, a scout troop, etc.
- Medium-sized programs can involve a whole grade level or multiple classes.
- Large programs are multiple grade levels, school-wide or even town-wide.
- Invention also fits into programs outside of school, Boys and Girls Club, Scouts, 4H programs.
It's Inspirational
It's Inspirational
It's Inspirational
The students who solve problems in our program today go on to become the inventors of tomorrow. Inventors in our program, control their own learning and process, which is rewarding for any student. In addition, many of our inventors garner local, state, and national and attention for the effort they and their teachers put into the program.
The benefits to students:
- Student generated process - students identify and solve a problem and steer their learning
- Enhanced communication and research skills
- Real life opportunity to solve a problem in their lives, the lives of their family, community, or for the world!
- Opportunity for original creativity and innovativeness
- Chance to be recognized for their innovation talent
- Builds the skills employers are looking for: innovation, problem solving, communication, and collaboration
Benefits to School/Program:
- Standards based instruction - naturally highlights the NGSS science and engineering practices, among others.
- The program may be offered K-12.
- Flexible program design
- Inexpensive
- Community and parent involvement is integral
- Student Recognition at the local, state, and national levels
- Positive press opportunities for the school and district
Implementation of the CIC Program
A Step-by-Step Overview of Invention Education at Your School
Select staff
Teachers, enrichment leads, STEM coordinators, after-school coordinators – many people can play a role. The many duties your CIC leaders will perform include: teaching the curriculum, registering your school, registering students for the CIC Finals event, paying the event registration fee, receiving information from CIC, contacting CIC with questions, outreach to parents and community, and securing funding if needed.
Decide population and schedule for the program
Decide teaching population and time. Your staff selection might decide this, but if not, pick the grade levels, team, before school, after school, etc. that will be the target of the program. You want to consider having multiple grade levels involved in this program. It is amazing to see your students’ growth when they have multiple opportunities to invent.
Set date and location for your school/district’s local convention
Know your target date for the culmination of your local curriculum – your school/district Invention Convention. You will need to hold your local event prior to the CIC event registration deadline dates, so that you have enough time to select and register your inventors moving on to the CIC online semi-finals event.
Set budget and secure funding
While running an Invention Convention program at your school is not expensive, some funds are required. The average school will spend the following each year:
- School Registration- $250 per school/site.
- Professional Development cost – Our virtual professional development sessions are included in your registration fee. Customized and school-specific PD is also available and may incur an additional cost.
- Awards and incidentals for you local school convention, if needed.
- Finals registration fees for any students going to the CIC State Finals Event (school or parent pay options).
- Teacher stipend (if required)
- Supplies - some activities require basic and inexpensive office supplies. Schools may want to provide tri-fold display boards for their inventors.
Online registration is required for all schools/programs. Teachers, district secretaries, or instructional coaches can register the school(s).
Fees are payable by check or credit card. An invoice will be issued to your school following registration. Invoices typically go out in January but can be sent sooner on request.
CIC runs professional development sessions for new and veteran teachers
- Professional Development (PD) is recommended for all new CIC teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators
- Regular PD sessions are offered during the fall and winter. Site-specific PD is also available on request.
- CIC PD is a great opportunity to meet other CIC teachers that are running Invention Convention programs.
- Please visit our PD page for current training opportunities.
Hold a “Kick-Off Meeting” for all interested students
Get students excited and motivated to participate in the program. This is particularly important if you are running the Invention Convention program outside of your normal school curriculum. Tell parents about your plans and ask for their support. The CIC offers resources to registered schools to help get your students excited about the program (videos, flyers, success stories).
Plan instruction time
Instruction typically takes 6-12 weeks or more depending on how often classes are held. Some schools build this into their daily or weekly coursework during school; some make this an after school or enrichment program. Plan enough time for students to engage in invention skill building activities, plus create their own invention. Students can work on their inventions outside of school time as well. Once you are ready, begin the program.
Hold your own local Invention Convention
At the conclusion of your school program, host a school or district Invention Convention event. Engage local businesses, civic organizations and other volunteers to come and judge the exhibits using CIC-provided judging materials. Invite families and other classes to come in and view the displays.
Select the inventors to attend the CIC Semi-Finals Event
The percentage of each schools’ inventors who can move on to the CIC State Semi-Finals Event will be announced in January. Each school or program chooses the inventors they would like to move on to the Semi-Finals. Semi-finalists parents will be directed on how to register their inventor's project online.
What You Get
- Invention education curriculum with over 80 activities aligned to standards such as NGSS and Common Core.
- A scope and sequence for how to maximize your time through the curriculum.
- Professional development sessions to assist with school implementation.
- Staff support and coaching for educators.
- Communication about important dates, deadlines, news, and media opportunities.
- Access to the CIC Semi-Finals and Finals events, for your students to present their hard work.
- Access, through invitation, to the Invention Convention Worldwide Event at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
- Acceptance into a community of educators excelling at invention education!
What It Costs
The annual school enrollment fee is $250 per school/program site.
Districts registering 4 or more sites receive a 20% district discount.
Finalists attending our in-person state finals event will also be charged an event registration fee (option for school or parent pay).
Volunteer
Your special status as a teacher is needed at our events as inventor coordinators and floor monitors during judging. This is a great way to help other students and even see how CIC is run at other schools. It is a very rewarding experience. If you would like to participate in a CIC event as a teacher volunteer, let us know!
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