MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Excitement was abundant in Middle Tennessee State University’s Student Union Ballroom recently as eager elementary schoolers from around the region pitched products to judges that darted from presentation to presentation.

An annual event, the Tennessee Invention Convention hosted by MTSU’s College of Education has cultivated the minds of young Tennesseans for over 30 years.

Scheduled for Feb 19-20, the first day of the convention for middle schoolers was canceled due to inclement weather that caused school closings in the area and led to MTSU transitioning to remote operations for the day, while the second day of presentations was delayed an hour as a precaution. The middle school portion has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 27.

The convention allows elementary and middle school students to show their creativity and problem-solving. Originally a one-day experience for fourth through sixth grade, the program has expanded to a two-day showcase for fourth through fifth grade, and sixth through eighth grade, respectively.   

‘Wonderful time for everyone’

Led by MTSU education professor Tracey Huddleston, the convention brought together more than 400 fourth and fifth grade students. Almost 300 inventions were on show for judges and other participants.

“Nearly all of the students along with their parents and teachers were able to attend. It was a wonderful time for everyone,” said Huddleston.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder in front of tri-fold posters, students advertised their inventions to anyone who roamed around the ballroom. The pitches were effortless, group members finishing each other’s lines in a manner that only comes from practice and preparation. 

One trio from Freedom Intermediate School in Franklin focused on how they could make life easier. Fifth graders Reuben Swaroop, Noah Nguyen and Axel Camp created their product, the “independent box,” after experiencing trouble at lunch. Unable to open bottles, soda cans, and yogurt containers, the group wanted to find a solution.

“We all had trouble opening (items), I always had a hard time opening water bottles,” said Swaroop. “Sometimes I couldn’t even drink it.”

The three problem-solvers were eager to speak about their product and its benefits to other attendees at the event. The convention provides an opportunity for students to work on presenting and using their creativity.

“It gives you a chance to practice your social skills…and you could get an award,” said Nguyen.

When they weren’t busy showing off their inventions, the participants kept themselves entertained with tablets and introduced themselves to fellow inventors. Hidden away underneath the tables their products rested on, the students worked on homework, feasted on packed snacks and enjoyed the day away from the classroom.

Students grow in confidence

Ashlee Barnes, a fourth-grade teacher with Black Fox Elementary School in Murfreesboro, brought 11 students to the competition. This is Barnes’ second time attending the convention, but her first time with Black Fox.

Her students faced trial and error during the invention process, with many products already existing. 

“It was really cool to see that everyone was able to come up with something and get excited about it,” said Barnes. 

She noted that her students had grown confident throughout the process that led up to the final presentation and showcase.

Students weren’t the only ones at the competition. Waiting for their children to finish their pitches, parents and siblings were patiently waiting outside of the ballroom. Many came equipped with books and laptops to continue the workday.  Family members flooded the ballroom for the awards ceremony at the end of the judging period. 

Judging was no ‘game’

The convention featured two categories: Game or Make Life Easier. Inventions were required to fit the criteria for one of the categories to be eligible for the awards handed out at the end of the convention.

Judges were assigned a category and grade level to judge, using a number system to rank each product.

Scott McDaniel, an MTSU professor of University Studies, was a judge for the fifth grade game category. He had never heard of the convention and was excited to take part in judging.

“I can see how much effort they put in, and how excited they are about their game,” said McDaniel.

There is not a list of requirements to become a judge for the convention, but it is challenging to rank the students on their creativity and presentations, McDaniel explained. 

 The Tennessee Invention Convention is a regional event that sends winners to the national invention convention. This year’s national competition will be held in Michigan at the beginning of June.

Learn more about the Tennessee Invention Convention by visiting https://education.mtsu.edu.

— Jordan Reining (Jordan.Reining@mtsu.edu)