Calif. Invention Convention Showcases 4 State Students In SJ

SAN JOSE, CA -- Student finalists in grades kindergarten to eighth grade from throughout the state will compete at the California Invention Convention on Saturday in San Jose.

The event’s premier sponsor, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. will host the event at its headquarters located at 160 Rio Robles in San Jose.

About 200 students have advanced from regional competitions. This is the fourth year the event has taken place. Winners of the state finals advance to the National Invention Convention & Entrepreneurship Expo at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Michigan later this year.

"California is full of talented and bright young learners, and this celebration of invention gives students the opportunity to share what they have created," said Brenda Payne, coordinator of the California Invention Convention. "This competition gets students involved in authentic, project-based learning while demonstrating creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking — all important 21st century skills.”

Here's a sampling of some of the great inventions to be showcased this year:

• 6th grader Gabriella from Soquel for her invention, Fur Mama Simulator
• 8th grader Pavitra from Fremont for his invention, Fast Cart
• 5th grader Sophie from San Diego for her invention, Automatic Food Cooler
• 4th grader Olivia from Watsonville for her invention, No More Bullying

Maxim has been a partner of the California program for the past two years.

"Through our collaboration with the California Invention Convention, we look forward to a generation of engineers that embrace teamwork, thinking outside the box and innovative problem solving," said Dave Dwelley, chief technology officer at Maxim Integrated.

This year, over 3,000 students and over 140 educators participated in conventions throughout California, sending their finalists onto the state competition.

The public is invited to view the inventions from 11 a.m. to noon at no cost for admission.

Details about the California Invention Convention may be obtained by visiting www.cainventionconvention.org or go here.