To: Educators, Parents, Inventors, etc.
From: Amanda Grommesch, MSIC Coordinator
Contact: info@mnstudentinventors.org or 952.836.4863
Introduction to the Minnesota Student Inventors Congress (MSIC) Creativity, innovation, creative thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills are buzz words we hear in today’s economic discussions. The MSIC has been providing access to curriculum and resources that nurture these traits for Minnesota students since 1988.

State event: The Minnesota Inventors Congress provides an opportunity for a select group of Minnesota students to participate in its annual invention expo, through the Minnesota Student Inventors Congress program. Students who have put into practice the skills developed in the curriculum are invited to exhibit their products on the showroom floor in the same hall as the other exhibitors. They answer questions from the public and receive feedback about their idea. During the event a special workshop is hosted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the students and their families. Feedback over the years has been exceptionally positive from both the parents and the students.

Additional special attractions are brought in each year to add to the students' experience: 3M Visiting Wizards and KidWind Project participated in 2008! Art of Invention with Jef Pokorney and Games to Go in 2009. Save the Date: Invention & Idea Show 2010will be held June 11 & 12, in Redwood Falls MN!!

Age/Grade: Any student in grades K‐12 can benefit from the resources.

Curriculum: Thanks to funding support from the Minnesota Legislature, the MSIC is pleased to continue providing resources to help nurture creative thinking skills in students. An invention curriculum designed in the late 80’s (recently updated in 2008 by the Metro ECSU’s Success Beyond the Classroom/Young Inventors Fair) has helped develop creative thinking skills in over 10,000 students in the past 20 years. The curriculum is a thorough step by step method, complete with activities, forms and resources. Anyone outside of the Young Inventors Fair boundary, who resides in Minnesota can access a hard copy of this curriculum through the MSIC. Other information and curriculum is available through the website.

To order curriculum or for additional information about the event: Contact the MSIC Coordinator at info@mnstudentinventors.org or by calling 952.836.4188 (Metro) or 800.468.3681. Website update: www.mnstudentinventors.org will be available in early 2009. This new site will include curriculum and resources that nurture creativity. Email: info@mnstudentinventors.org

Future training opportunities: If enough interest is expressed, training sessions can be coordinated.