EDUCATING, CONNECTING, AND CELEBRATING STUDENT INNOVATORS

Bridging the Gap from Classroom to Real-World Problem Solving

By 4th grade, one in three students loses interest in STEM, and by 8th grade, more than half disengage. Yet most innovation and STEM programs target students in grades 9-12.

The Illinois Student Invention Convention (ISIC) is changing that by sparking curiosity early. We provide educators with a free and flexible curriculum that guides K-8 grade students through the invention process, helping them see themselves as innovators
and problem-solvers from an early age.

Get Involved
2025 Illinois Student Invention Convention
Our Methods
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Curriculum

FREE, flexible NGSS-aligned lessons & activities

Mentoring & Judging

Mentoring for participant and judging with feedback from industry professionals

Field Trips

Opportunities for on-site tour, hands-on activities, access to STEM professionals

Competition

Participation in public competitions with prizes, including free patenting and prototyping

Our Impact

Students inventors participated to date

%

Students increased their interest in STEM, invention and entrepreneurship

Sites participated across Illinois

Learn more about our impact
What Our Program Participants Have to Say

“Participating in the Illinois Student Invention Convention has been very impactful for me and introduced me to the power of problem solving.”

Arnav Chaphalkar, 8th Grade Student, 2024 Grand Prize Winner

“My students didn’t just make things, they solved real problems in the world. It’s been emotional watching them grow more confident.”

Gloria McDaniel-Hall, Founder, Saturday Scientist; Associate Professor, National Louis University

“This program is giving students a chance to put themselves out there and create something from nothing.”

Leslie Aguilar, 8th Grade Student, 2023 U.S. Nationals Qualifier

“I improved my creativity by learning how to come up with new ideas and not get stuck thinking. My problem solving got better while I was iterating through trial and error to build my prototype.”

Jack Rout, 5th Grade Student

“Participating in the Illinois Student Invention Convention has been very impactful for me and introduced me to the power of problem solving.”

Arnav Chaphalkar, 8th Grade Student, 2024 Grand Prize Winner

“My students didn’t just make things, they solved real problems in the world. It’s been emotional watching them grow more confident.”

Gloria McDaniel-Hall, Founder, Saturday Scientist; Associate Professor, National Louis University

“This program is giving students a chance to put themselves out there and create something from nothing.”

Leslie Aguilar, 8th Grade Student, 2023 U.S. Nationals Qualifier

“I improved my creativity by learning how to come up with new ideas and not get stuck thinking. My problem solving got better while I was iterating through trial and error to build my prototype.”

Jack Rout, 5th Grade Student

Get Involved
EDUCATORS
PARENTS & STUDENTS

VOLUNTEERS

SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Our Program is Free Thanks to Our Amazing Sponsors
Contributing Partners