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CONTEST TIMELINE

Mark Your Calendars with these Important Dates

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The Thomas Edison Pitch Contest will take place over the course of about 7 months. Meeting deadlines is an extremely important part of this contest, meant to give students real-life experience as well as fun opportunities. Be sure to manage your time effectively to ensure success in the competition!

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Thomas Edison Light Bulb

“A genius is often merely a talented person who has done all of his or her homework.”

Thomas Edison 

Contest Timeline

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OCTOBER 10 TO DECEMBER 7 - Registration period extended​

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JANUARY 12​ - IDEA VIDEO ASSIGNMENT DUE

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  • In the first video, you will focus on your invention idea, your primary research on the problem you are solving, your early designs/plans to complete your prototype. 

  • The purpose of this video is to get feedback on your idea and plans from our judges early on in the process.

  • You will submit this through Google Classroom by Jan 12. You can expect short feedback from the judges by the end of January. 

  • The first notebook in your Engineering Design Notebook should help you complete this part of the process. 

 

JANUARY - RECEIVE FEEDBACK AND MAKER'S KIT FOR YOUR PROJECTS

  • Once you have submitted your first video, your team will be sent our free STEM Maker’s Kit with the tools & materials to make your invention. You will receive them by the end of the month.

  • You will also receive feedback on your invention idea and plan, based on your video, by the end of the month through Google Classroom.

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FEBRUARY- APRIL - WORK ON YOUR PROTOTYPE AND FINAL VIDEO

  • Your team will have about 3 months to create a working prototype of your invention.

  • During this time, you will complete the last 2 notebooks in the Engineering Design Notebook to record the process. 

  • Once you have finished your prototype, you will create a video pitch and present your final invention. This is the main item the judges will use to score your invention and decide whether or not you are a finalist.

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APRIL 8 - FINAL SUBMISSION DUE WITH VIDEO AND NOTEBOOKS

  • Your Final Presentation Video will count for most of your final grade for the contest and will be due on April 8. All 3 notebooks are also due by April 8.

  • You will submit all of these items through Google Classroom.

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APRIL 18 - FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

  • Finalists will be announced one month before the final pitch event through email and Google Classroom. 

  • This should give teams ample time to prepare for and hopefully plan travel to the final event!

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MAY 18 - FINAL PITCH EVENT

  • Finalists are invited to attend the formal pitch contest on Saturday, May 18 to determine winner rankings & receive their prizes.

  • They will pitch their idea in 5 minutes or less to a panel of expert judges at our fun-filled event virtually streaming from the Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

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