24th annual Inventerprise contest underway
Central Oregon students have a chance to devise new ways to confront natural disaster in the 24th annual Inventerprise contest sponsored by Bend Research, Inc., a division of Capsugel Dosage Form Solutions, and by Bend-La Pine Schools and Central Oregon Community College.
The theme of this year’s contest addresses the high number and different types of natural disasters that strike worldwide. The problem statement is “Earthquakes, wildfires, droughts, devastating storms! What is your invention that would help us prevent, survive, mitigate or even harness a natural disaster’s power?”
The Inventerprise contest is open to all Central Oregon students in grades K-12, including homeschooled students. Students may enter as individuals or in groups of up to three people.
Last year, more than 1,150 students entered, individually or in groups, and more than 130 students won awards. Students may choose the medium that best conveys their ideas, including models, essays, movies, computer programs and posters.
Prizes will be awarded at all grade levels and the exact number of recipients will be determined by the judges. Students submitting the top high-school entries will receive a portion of the $1,800 cash prize. The student or students submitting the top middle-school entry will choose from among an Apple Watch, GoPro camera, tablet computer, mountain bike or season ski pass to Mount Bachelor. Student winners in grades K-8 will receive specially designed T-shirts and be invited to a special Science Night presentation at Bend Research.
In addition, teachers in grades K-5 whose classes have greater than fifty percent participation will be eligible for the Tina McGeary Teacher Incentive Program. This program will distribute at least $2,000 in gift certificates among area teachers for classroom supplies or books. The program is named in memory of Tina McGeary, an Inventerprise contest founder and unflagging advocate of the work that teachers do for the community.
Entries will be accepted at the Bend Research fabrication facility located at 63060 Corporate Place in Bend starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, through 5 p.m. Friday, November 6. Winners will be announced on or before December 1.
Entries will be judged on originality, usefulness and development of concept. Inventions must not defy the laws of nature. Download additional information including the contest flyers from the Inventerprise website at http://inventerprise.bendresearch.com/home.html.
