Why Invent Idaho? Why now?

Invent Idaho is the premier student invention program in the Northwest, having provided a forum for thousands of young inventors in grades one through eight since its inception in 1989.  Invent Idaho is the only program in Idaho that celebrates student creativity and innovation, while teaching the inventive thinking process in an interdisciplinary curriculum. Young inventors participate in progressive levels of competitions, including three Regional events held across Idaho, culminating in an Invent Idaho State Finals event. 

Not only does the Invent Idaho program teach higher order thinking skills, it addresses dozens of State Science Standards, as well as the number one Technology and Communication Standard, Creativity and Innovation:  to demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and use information and communication technologies to develop innovative products and processes.  Invent Idaho is poised to grow exponentially with the current emphasis in our schools on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. As stated in the 2011 State of the Union Address, “The first step in winning the future is encouraging American innovation”.  This reflects a national demand for innovation—one that has grown in urgency in recent years.  The Lincoln Center Imagination Summit boldly proclaimed, “The voices …call not only for innovation, but for creativity as well.  Without these, it is felt, the United States simply cannot succeed in a 21st century world… America’s competitive edge depends now on bold,fresh ideas.  The jolting discovery: …competing in today’s complex economy requires, more than any other single quality, creativity. This means being ready to overturn the status quo,coming up with original approaches, and making experimentation a habit.”  

Invent Idaho encourages American innovation. As one young inventor stated, “I like being creative and Invent Idaho was a great way for me to express my ideas and show other people what I was thinking.  I like the Jules Verne category because you can be really crazy and dream big. I hope one day one of my inventions can actually be made and help in some way.” As one long-time Invent Idaho parent stated, “Invent Idaho has been a wonderful creative outlet for my kids.  It has taught them critical thinking skills and problem solving skills.  They would be creatively engaged for hours while trying to get their ideas on paper and making models.  What a great way to combine science, math, research, development, marketing, writing, and model making into an exciting learning experience.” 

Invent Idaho is changing lives!  Because of all the media recognition for his 2012 Invent Idaho Best of Show invention to aid diabetics, third-grader Carson Magee was contacted by Nickelodeon to be featured on the TV show “Figure It Out”. In addition, Carson, a Type I diabetic, became the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s ambassador, appearing on TV commercials and talk shows—all initiated because of the publicity from his Invent Idaho Best of Show project.  

Invent Idaho is seeking a partnership with schools like yours that undoubtedly share our  passion for creative, proven educational opportunities and who recognize the significance of developing the innovative spirit in America’s youth.   Register now to challenge your students!