People have been trying to help the environment for decades. Now, it’s your turn. Form a team of your peers and tackle one of the biggest issues of today, for a better tomorrow…
OPEN TO 6TH - 8TH GRADERS
ACROSS THE DC METRO REGION
Your environment. Your invention. Your future.
Challenge Question
Think of an environmental problem, big or small, that needs to be addressed. Now, think of a solution to that problem; an invention that would address that problem. Use your imagination to push beyond today’s limits to invent the future.
If you accept this challenge, your team must not only dream up an invention, but also design and prototype that invention. Use engineering, coding, and design techniques to turn your ideas into something tangible. High-tech or low-tech, mechanical or digital…
What will you make to protect life on this planet?
The future is up to you.
Challenge Timeline
Registration – September 14 – January 31, 2019
Design & Build – September 2018 – May 2019
Invent the Future Workshops (optional) – starting October 2018
Presentations at Challenge Summit – May 11, 2019
Teams can win prizes, and earn SSL hours for participating in the Challenge Summit on Saturday, May 11 at Gaithersburg High School.
GUIDELINES
Form a team of 3-6 middle school students (6th – 8th grade) and one adult Team Coordinator (18 years+).
Make a physical representation of your invention; it does not need to be fully functioning, but it needs to communicate your idea and be something that you made.
Spend no more than $60 on materials for your invention.
Present at the Challenge Summit in May for a chance to win awards and prizes. See the Markers of Success below; click here for the complete rubric.
MARKERS OF SUCCESS
Idea
Idea
Your project explores new ideas and approaches to protecting life on this planet, applies these ideas in innovative ways, and demonstrates the impact of the solution.
Process
Process
Your project shows evidence of your team going through multiple stages of a design cycle, complete with seeking feedback, learning new skills, and working together.
Presentation
Presentation
Your team’s presentation of ideas is clear and effective, and the prototype illustrates your solution to the Challenge Question.
INVENTION PREPARATION
Participants have the option to prepare for the Challenge at KID Museum with a series of skill-building workshops! Students gain skills in design, engineering, electronics, and coding while collaborating with their peers to brainstorm and prototype inventions of their own design.
INVENTION INSPIRATION
Looking for some inspiration to help you get started? Here are a few projects that we hope will spark new ideas.
Remember the Challenge asks for prototypes, not necessarily full-sized or fully functioning inventions.
Energy-Saving Streetlight
Energy-Efficient Bottle Car
Trash Collecting Drone
CHALLENGE SUMMIT
The Invent the Future Challenge Summit showcases the inspiring work of middle schoolers across the region. At the Summit, student teams present their prototyped inventions to a panel of industry experts. Click below for highlights from the first-ever Summit in May 2018.
The 2019 Summit is set for Saturday, May 11 at Gaithersburg High School (registration coming soon).
2018 CHALLENGE SUMMIT RECAP
IN THE NEWS
"Museum helps kids learn skills to ‘Invent the Future’"
The Washington Post – October 30, 2018
READ MORE
"Local students use STEM to address worldwide problem"
Montgomery Community Media – April 6, 2018
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"Teams of Middle-School Innovators Gear Up To Tackle Environmental Problems"
Bethesda Magazine – December 1, 2017
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The Invent the Future Challenge was made possible by KID Museum’s groundbreaking partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools. The Challenge is open to all middle schools across the DC Metro region.