Old Greenwich School Invention Convention
A hands-on innovation program bringing STEM, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and public speaking together as students turn big ideas into real inventions.
Grades 3–5 registration: November 16–December 14, 2026
Calling all curious minds
Does your child love asking “What if?”, figuring out how things work, or dreaming up solutions? Then this is the place for them!
The Innovation Journey
Four simple steps. Endless possibilities.
01
Dream it
Spot a problem in everyday life that could use a new solution.
02
Design it
Come up with an original idea, sketch it, and make a plan.
03
Build it
Build a prototype, test it, and improve it as you go.
04
Pitch it
Showcase your creation and explain what it does and why it works.
How your child participates
Same inventive spirit, two different ways to take part.
Innovation Lab
PART OF THE SCHOOL DAY
All K–2 students explore the invention process during Innovation Lab , approximately 30 minutes per week from January through March.
The March 23 showcase is optional. Families who opt in will need to help their child build a prototype and complete a display board at home.
Choose your path
OPTIONAL ENROLLMENT • LIMITED SPACE
Students can join Morning Enrichment or Afters, or complete the program through independent study using a 10-week lesson plan.
Space is limited for in-person sessions.
Register for grades 3–5 →
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Key dates
Registration opens
Grades 3–5 sign-ups are open through December 14 .
Program begins
Invention activities run January 4–March 22. K–2 participates at school; grades 3–5 have optional participation paths.
OGS Invention Convention
Optional school showcase, 1:15–3:15 p.m. , following early release. Separate showcase sign-up information will be sent in February.
Connecticut Invention Convention
Selected OGS finalists may advance to the statewide event.
Invention guidelines
What makes a great invention?
- Solves a real-world problem.
- Introduces something new, or meaningfully improves an existing invention.
- Is not something already available to buy in a store or online.
- Can be a physical invention or a digital solution, like an app.
Ready for the convention?
Students who register to compete should be prepared to share a prototype, invention logbook, and display board , and explain their idea to external judges. A prototype does not need to be fully functional, but should clearly demonstrate the idea.
For more information about the statewide program, visit the Connecticut Invention Convention website →
The next great idea could be theirs.
Grades 3–5 can register for Morning Enrichment or Afters, or ask about independent study. All K–2 students take part in Innovation Lab; entering the March 23 showcase is optional, with sign-up information coming in February.
GRADES 3–5: REGISTER 11/16 →
Frequently asked questions
A few helpful details before you get started.
Does my K–2 child need to sign up?
No program registration is required. All K–2 students participate during the school day through Innovation Lab from January through March, approximately 30 minutes per week. Participation in the March 23 OGS Invention Convention is optional. Families who choose to enter will need to help their child build a prototype and complete a display board at home. A separate showcase sign-up will be sent out in February.
What if Morning Enrichment or Afters don't work for my 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader?
Independent study is an option! We can share the same 10-week lesson plan for students to follow at home. Students participating independently will need to sign up for the March 23 OGS Invention Convention when showcase registration is sent out in February, and complete a prototype, display board, and logbook. Please contact Maria Oliveira or Alex Hardyment for details.
When are the grades 3–5 sessions? Is space limited?
Yes, space is limited for in-person sessions. Morning Enrichment meets on Fridays, 7:30–8:30 a.m. with Mrs. Doyle. Afters meets on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 3:20–4:20 p.m. with Mrs. Blad. If neither works for your family, independent study is also available using the 10-week lesson plan.
Can my child work with a partner?
Yes. Inventors may participate individually or in a team of two . Partners must be no more than one grade level apart . Each child should register individually, even if they are working together. Read the team guidelines →
What materials or support will families need to provide?
K–2 families choosing to enter the March 23 showcase will need to help build prototypes and complete display boards at home. Inventors should use age-appropriate materials already available at home or school. If materials must be purchased, families should spend no more than $50 . The PTA will provide standardized logbooks and display boards . See prototype guidelines →
Is there a specific lesson each week?
Yes! The 10-week curriculum guides students through identifying a problem, researching existing solutions, brainstorming, evaluating ideas, building a prototype, and preparing to present. Time is built in to test, improve, and refine projects before the March 23 showcase.
What qualifies as an invention?
It must solve a real problem and offer something new, whether that's a completely original idea or a clear improvement to something that already exists. It cannot simply be a product purchased in a store or online. Digital inventions, including apps, are welcome.
Does the prototype have to work? What goes in the logbook?
Prototypes do not have to be fully functional , but they should make the proposed solution easy to understand. The logbook documents an inventor's progress, including ideas, research, sketches, tests, challenges, and improvements. Younger children may use drawings and simple writing, with adult help as needed. The PTA will provide standardized logbooks.
What happens after the OGS showcase?
Selected finalists from the OGS Invention Convention on Tuesday, March 23, 2027 may advance to the Connecticut Invention Convention in May . Selected finalists will be asked to submit a 3–5 minute video when registering for the state event. Those attending in person will also need a physical project display. Additional guidelines will be shared with selected inventors. Learn more at ctinventionconvention.org → .
Questions?
Reach out to Maria Oliveira or Alex Hardyment .
An Old Greenwich School PTA curriculum enrichment opportunity.
Upcoming Events
- Monday, November 16
- Tuesday, November 17
