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INVENT THE FUTURE CHALLENGE

Form Your Own Team

Create a groundbreaking invention!

Welcome to Invent the Future, where each year more than 1,000 middle schoolers take on real-world problems and invent real solutions.

You’ll get to work with a team, learn new skills, solve problems creatively, and persist through failure — all skills for the future. Your future.

Be a part of the solution. Invent the future.

Getting Started

Step 1: Register by April 18th. Form a team with 3-6 middle school students (6th – 8th graders). You’ll also need an adult Team Coordinator. Coordinators can sponsor multiple teams.
There is one $30 registration fee per team.

Step 2: Dive into your ITF resources. Upon registering, your team will have exclusive access to an ITF Overview Packet and skill-building resources.

Step 3: Decide on a real-world problem to solve, then work as a team to make a physical representation of your invention. These are prototypes — so don’t spend more than $60 on materials.

Step 4: Submit your concept for review by May 1st. Don’t worry, your invention does not have to be complete by this date! We just need to know your plan.

Step 5: Show off your work at the Expo on June 1st! Present your invention at KID in front of your fellow inventors, KID staff and visitors, and real-world industry innovators. Your team could win awards and prizes!

REGISTER NOW!

FAQs

Does the Adult Team Coordinator need any special experience or skills?

No special skills are required — just a willingness to support and facilitate (without over-guiding). If you have questions or need guidance, we are here to help! Email us at inventthefuture@kid-museum.org.

What is the time commitment for students?

On average, teams spend approximately 10 hours developing their ideas and building prototypes.

I know a student who wants to participate but can’t find a team. What should we do?

We emphasize teamwork as part of the ITF Challenge. Please contact us if you are having difficulty assembling a team.

What’s the “Expo”? Is it open to families?

The June 1st Invent the Future Expo is a full-day celebration of innovation. Bring the whole family for a day of creativity and fun!

ALL FAQs

Invention Inspiration

Looking for some inspiration to help you get started? Here are a few projects that we hope will spark new ideas.
Remember, Invent the Future asks for prototypes, not necessarily full-sized or fully functioning inventions.

Air Ink

Air Ink captures air pollution before it enters the environment and converts it into ink.

LEARN MORE

Bite Toothpaste Bits

A toothpaste tablet packaged in recyclable, refillable glass containers, designed to eliminate the need for plastic toothpaste tubes.

LEARN MORE

FAQs

Logistics & Participation

What is the time commitment for students?

On average, teams spend approximately 10 hours developing their ideas and building prototypes.

How many students make up a team?

Teams must have between 3 and 6 students and one adult coordinator.

What is the age requirement?

All Invent the Future team members must be in 6th to 8th grade and have at least one adult team sponsor.

What if my student doesn't have a team? Can they still participate?

We emphasize teamwork as part of the ITF Challenge. Please contact us if you are having difficulty assembling a team. 

Can siblings or friends be on the same team?

Yes! Siblings and friends are welcome to be on the same team.

Can I add more people to my team later on?

Yes! But in order to ensure each team member has a full experience, we encourage you to fully assemble your team before beginning to work. Please contact us with any questions.

Does the Adult Team Coordinator need any special skills or experience?

No special skills are required — just a willingness to support and facilitate (without over-guiding). If you have questions or need guidance, we are here to help! Email us at inventthefuture@kid-museum.org.

How much adult involvement is required?

At KID Museum, we believe that fostering student agency is a key part of this experience. The Team Coordinator’s role is to guide and support without solving problems for the team. This includes sharing the resources with the team, ensuring that each team member is engaged and has a role to play, procuring materials, and keeping deadlines and schedules on track for prototype completion and entry requirements before the June 1st Expo.

Cost & Registration

What does the $30 registration fee cover?

The $30 registration fee includes exclusive access to an Invent the Future overview packet, skill-building resources such as video tutorials, and support from KID Museum educators as needed. It also covers a showcase space at the June 1st Expo and lunch for each team member on that day.

Are there any scholarships or financial aid available?

Yes! Financial assistance is available through our Access for Every Maker program. To apply, please fill out this form.

Can we sign up for both the independent team and the after-school ITF program?

If you are part of the After-School ITF Club, you will form your team within the club community. Therefore, you do not need to participate in the Form Your Own Team option.

What happens if we miss the registration deadline?

Please email us at inventthefuture@kid-museum.org and we’ll do our best to assist you.

Challenge Details

What kinds of problems can students choose to solve? Are there specific themes?

The Invent the Future Overview Packet includes suggested themes and problem areas for students to explore.

What materials should we use for our prototype?

The Invent the Future Overview Packet includes a list of suggested materials and approved tools for prototype building.

What happens at the June 1st Expo? Is it open to families?

The June 1st Invent the Future Expo is a full-day celebration of innovation. Registered ITF teams will be assigned a showcase time window to present their prototypes. These students will also have the option to have their inventions evaluated by scientists, inventors, and innovators working in various disciplines and industries. Lunch is provided for all Invent the Future showcasing teams, with additional food and beverages available to be purchased by all visitors. The Expo will feature hands-on activities, live music, invention challenges, and more. Bring the whole family for a day of creativity and fun!

Are students expected to present their projects at Expo?

Invent The Future teams are encouraged but not required to showcase their projects at the Expo. All teams that wish to participate must register in advance. Details on Expo registration will be provided to Team Coordinators after team enrollment.

Workshops & Support

What do the additional one-off workshops entail?

These workshops offer studio time and expert guidance from Maker Educators to help students develop the design and fabrication skills needed to create their “looks like” and “works like” prototypes. Workshops take place in our specialized studios and cover topics such as woodworking, coding and microprocessors, electronics, and open build/design support. For more details and registration, see the workshop listing — space is limited, so sign up early!

How do teams access the skill-building videos and resources?

Once your team is registered, the adult Team Coordinator will receive an email with access to all the resources you’ll need.

Will students receive feedback or meet a mentor through this challenge?

Yes! Students can receive feedback and support throughout the challenge in several ways:

  • Optional workshops offer guidance from KID Museum’s expert team of Maker Educators.
  • Team Coordinators are encouraged to reach out to us anytime for additional support.
  • Expo: At the June 1st Expo, students will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their prototypes from scientists, inventors, and innovators.

ACCESS FOR EVERY MAKER

Access for Every Maker: We are dedicated to expanding access to all makers by providing free and reduced-cost ways to participate in our programming. Please use this form to reach out if you are an educator, a member of the military, or if program fees pose a financial hardship, and we’ll ensure you and your family can participate.

Send us your questions.

CONTACT US