One of the basic themes of convention inventions is that all inventions must be original. Since all ideas must be original, it is not proper to provide students with a list of invention ideas. Students need to decide on an invention all their own, so the process can be nearly as important as the ultimate idea. Help students by asking them to think about their day-to-day lives and consider what they could change or improve.
Most elementary students have similar routines at home, so this is an area of their lives that could provide valuable ideas for possible invention convention ideas. Have students brainstorm with each other and talk about their regular routines, especially things they may dislike such as washing dishes or brushing the family dog. They may be able to think about these sometimes mundane tasks and come up with inventions that could make them easier to accomplish.
Elementary students love to play games and be active, whether they're climbing outdoor equipment on the playground, engaging in physical activity at recess, or playing board games with their friends. Ask them to think about all of these types of activities in which they engage and consider inventions that might improve the level of fun, fitness or learning. They may be able to invent something that complements an existing item, or reinvent an existing item to make it even better.
Elementary students spend many hours in school, making the school environment a rich area for possible invention convention ideas. Students should think about everything they see and do during the school day, from pens, pencils, erasers and rulers to how cooks prepare and serve food in the school cafeteria. Make sure they don't overlook anything. Sample questions to consider can include : Can you improve school lockers? Are drinking fountains too tall for some students and too short for others?