How does it work?

Student Invention Disclosure forms will be available in August to elementary and middle schools, grades K-8. Forms may be downloaded from this web site or requested from the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium (518-382-7890, Ext. 227).

Student Invention Disclosure forms must be submitted by February 10, 2012. The form should be submitted as two separate pages. Students may not submit more than one Invention Disclosure form. If you are unable to download the disclosure form, contact the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium Education Department, 518-382-7890 x227, Dominguez@SchenectadyMuseum.org to request a copy of the disclosure form.

Entries are then reviewed by a panel of judges, which includes members of local patent law associations, scientists, educators and other patent professionals. See judging for judging information.

After judging, 100 students will be invited to make models of their invention, an exercise involving imagination, artistic and scientific skills. The students should be assisted and encouraged in the invention process by teachers in the classroom and parents at home.

The models of the selected inventions will be on display from May 3 until May 24, 2012 at the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium. Twenty-five inventions will be selected as finalists by a panel of judges. The finalists will be announced at the IC 2012 regional ceremony on May 24, 2012 at the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium.