This past week, our school was buzzing with creativity as our fourth and fifth graders showcased their ingenuity at the annual Invention Convention Expo! This exciting event at the core of the SAGE Program here at SCG, highlighted the hard work, problem-solving skills, and perseverance of our young inventors, who followed the engineering design process from brainstorming to final presentations.
The Power of Iteration and Engineering Practices
Throughout the invention process, students engaged in iterative design—a cycle of testing, refining, and improving their ideas. Many students started with a broad concept, built prototypes, and made crucial adjustments based on challenges they encountered. By practicing the fundamentals of engineering—identifying problems, designing solutions, testing prototypes, and refining based on results—students learned that innovation doesn’t happen on the first attempt. Instead, it takes persistence, flexibility, and a willingness to try again, and again, and again…
Check out other Project Based Learning that has taken place at SCG!
Peer Review: Learning from Each Other
A key part of the Invention Convention experience was peer review. Students shared their prototypes with classmates, received constructive feedback, and made improvements before the final showcase. This collaborative approach not only strengthened their inventions but also helped them develop essential skills in giving and receiving feedback—an important aspect of real-world innovation.
Student Finalists
The range of projects presented at the Expo was truly inspiring! Five finalists will move on to the state Invention Convention Expo in Sacramento, CA April 12th. Their projects not only solve a problem that many face today, but they also reduce human impact on the earth, a core focus in the SAGE Program here at SCG.
- Magnetic Box – Designed by Amaiya 4th grade
Cardboard boxes will never be needed again with the invention of this reusable metal delivery box. This product reduces the seemingly endless need for delivery boxes.
- The Landslide 100 – Designed by Mitch 5th grade
This sensor monitors potential landslide locations and wirelessly sends forecasts as to when a hillside may slip preventing injuries and property damage.
- The Micro Filter Pro – Designed by Henry 5th grade
Prevent microplastics from even entering a watershed by installing this filter at every storm drain.
- The Resource Recycler – Designed by Lily and Audra 5th grade
You will never need to buy a new piece of paper with this new home paper recycling machine that washes ink off paper and dries it so you can reuse it over and over. Even the water is reusable!
From tackling everyday inconveniences to designing eco-conscious solutions, our students demonstrated remarkable creativity and problem-solving skills. The Invention Convention Expo not only celebrated their hard work but also encouraged them to see themselves as future innovators and engineers. We are proud of their efforts and can’t wait to see where their ideas take them next!
Thank you again to all the families, teachers, and community members who supported our young inventors. We look forward to another year of innovation and discovery!
Comments