MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s annual Invention Convention again welcomed over 1,000 local students to campus to showcase their gamut of creations that ranged from making others’ lives easier, solving a community problem, providing a new service or even designing a new game. 

Established more than three decades ago by the College of Education, this year’s festivities marked a significant milestone for Tracey Huddleston, an event director and professor in the Department of Elementary and Special Education. Huddleston said she and her dedicated team celebrated a major expansion with the inauguration of a second Invention Convention tailored for middle school students. 

“This expansion was made possible through the generous support of Josh Aaron, the Wright Chair of Entrepreneurship at the Jennings A. Jones College of Business,” she said. “The successful execution of both conventions was achieved through collaborative efforts with my fellow colleagues, namely Jeremy Winters and Katie Schrodt from the College of Education and Kristie Abston from the College of Business.”

The expansion extended the late February event from a single day of activities for fourth through sixth graders to an elementary program for fourth and fifth graders and a middle school program for sixth through eighth graders.

“Our hope for the middle school Invention Convention is to extend the opportunity to more students,” said Huddleston, who emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for students to apply problem-solving skills, practice communication skills, work collaboratively with others as well as apply academic skills. 

“The elementary program has grown to nearly 800 students over the years; we hope to likewise grow the middle school Invention Convention. Teachers and students from several school systems across the region attend including Lebanon Schools, Wilson County Schools, Murfreesboro City Schools, Williamson County Schools and beyond.”

Some eye-catching inventions from the elementary students included a “Smores-e-nator,” “Pringle Picker” and “Chicken Coop Cleaner 3000.” The middle school inventors impressed judges with a “Sustain-a-ball” (biodegradable baseball), “Shadow Glove” (for drummers), “Change-a-Chair” and “Moooon Tag,” which is a glow in the dark tag for cows. 

Both conventions feature an invention presentation and rigorous judging process, special activities like a keynote speaker or lunch and an awards ceremony. For the fourth and fifth grade inventors, top awards such as “Judges’ Favorites” and “Best Presentation,” along with trophies for the top three place winners were selected. Middle school awards comprised of trophies for first place in each of the five categories spanning health and medical, agriculture, household goods and more in addition to a “Traveling Trophy” given to the overall school winner.

Serving as the keynote speaker, Savannah Tucker, an accomplished entrepreneur and alumna, shared her inspiring journey of establishing a successful baking business with the young attendees.

Huddleston added the Invention Conventions are made possible through support from The Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation, Wilson Bank & Trust, the Wright Chair of Entrepreneurship and The Clouse-Elrod Foundation. These sponsors not only provide fiduciary support but provide representatives who also serve as judges, sharing an interest in fostering innovation and nurturing the talents of the next generation.

Unleashing creativity, confidence

“We participate in the Invention Convention to provide our students an outlet for their creativity and imagination,” said Tamara Crosby, an MTSU alumna and educational facilitator and teacher at Overall Creek Elementary in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. “Students are given a specific set of standards they have to learn each year, and the Invention Convention allows for them to go beyond what is required into a world of anything is possible. They love to create, and I love providing a space to make that happen.

“Plus, students love coming to MTSU’s campus. It makes them feel grown, and it makes them feel like they have a purpose and something to look forward to.”

Rachal Miller, a teacher at Rutland Elementary in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, said a highlight for her was two of her students winning the Eagle Award. 

“These two girls worked so very hard on their invention and overcame obstacles to help them compete,” said Miller, who has been attending the event with her students for 15 years. “It was very fulfilling to see them realize how hard work pays off.”

Angie Tisdale, a teacher at Freedom Intermediate School in Franklin, Tennessee, and also an alumna, attended for the first time with her students.

“Participating in this event was something that I wanted to do for years,” Tisdale said. “The first middle school competition and serving on the advisory board presented the perfect opportunity to jump in with my students. 

“I could have never imagined the impact this process and competition would have on not only my students, but also my teaching. Watching students explore and learn new things, while learning to communicate ideas and work through disagreements respectfully all while stretching themselves creatively was a powerful and life-changing experience.”

Tisdale echoed multiple teachers’ sentiments about the impact of coming to campus on the young attendees. 

“Coming to MTSU with students, some of whom have never been on a college campus, opened a door to a future some have never seen as an opportunity,” she said. “Now, having been judged and spoken to college professors, I hear them talking about ‘when’ not ‘if’ they will go to college.”

Huddleston said one of many highlights of the convention for her is not only that the event benefits students throughout the community but also undergraduate and graduate education students: 15 graduate assistants participated in this year’s programs. 

“Being able to be a part of and witness the invention convention helps me to see that I can make a difference in educational spaces,” said Jessica Buchanan, a master’s student in curriculum and instruction who helped with the event. “Having students, parents and judges participate and be engaged in a science-based competition was a highlight…. I would love to host an event such as this (in my future career).”

Learn more about the opportunities at the College of Education at https://mtsu.edu/education/. 

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)