REGISTER TODAY! • FREE EVENT! • AGES 5–14 • CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES!
Get ready to “make” summer S.T.E.A.M.-ier!
The YMCA’s annual THINGAMAJIG® INVENTION CONVENTION challenges kids ages 5-14 to show off their “maker” creativity!
YMCA THINGAMAJIG INVENTION CONVENTION
Thingamajig® offers more than a dozen hands-on challenges designed to spark curiosity and showcase kids’ S.T.E.A.M. skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)while they have fun building or simply designing new inventions.
The world needs more innovators and hands-on problem-solvers, so the YMCA makes sure kids everywhere can get in on the action leading up to the actual convention. With both virtual and in-person activities as well as day camps dedicated to creativity, everyone can pick their challenge and create their invention through June and July.
Then, the YMCA invites participants and S.T.E.A.M. fans together for an in-person celebration/convention full of demonstrations and activities at the end July.
Challenge categories, additional details and registration information coming soon!
May 19th – Thingamajig Challenges Released
May 19th – July 18th –
Makers across the country get to work building their solutions to a range of challenges (listed below). Click here for registration and challenge details. The deadline is July 18th at noon.
July 31th – In-person Invention Convention
Thingamajig Invention Convention takes place at the US Patent and Trade Office. Attendees enjoy meeting experts, participating in engaging activity stations, viewing demonstrations, and working on individual and team challenges!
In-person hands-on judging and awards ceremony take place.
July 31, 2024 – from 9am–3pm
The United States Patent & Trademark Office
600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
THINGAMAJIG RULES:
- Young people can enter the competition as an individual or in a team of no more than 3 individuals.
- All participants must be between the ages of 5–14.
- You must enter an original invention/project (no manufactured kits accepted).
- Use of recycled materials is strongly encouraged.
- No more than $20 can be spent on materials for your invention/project.
- A log must be created and submitted/uploaded with your final entry.
- A display board must be created to illustrate the steps to your invention design.
- All Inventions, fashions and talents must be submitted as a part of the student registration via YouTube/photo. Failure to provide a video will disqualify you from the competition. Judging will be virtual using registered items only.
- Thingamajig Registration Deadline: FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023 by midnight.
- A series of workshops designed to help understand the invention process and preparation for competition will be offered throughout the month of June-July. Look out for announced events on the website.
- Interviews with Thingamajig Volunteer Judges will be held – Thursday, July 27th and Friday, July 28, 2023. Additional information will be sent to everyone eligible to be interviewed for this year’s competition.
Questions? Contact La Shaun Murray at lashaun.murray@ymcadc.org or 202-290-8321.
Volunteer and partnership opportunities are available!
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Allison Jones at Allison.Jones@ymcadc.org.