FAQ - Chicago Innovation

CSIC FAQ

When will CSIC winners be announced?

The competition will occur on April 25th. However, winners will not be announced until mid-May to allow for any flexibility or programmatic changes necessary due to the ever-changing situation of COVID-19. Winners will be contacted via email in mid-May and celebrated on our website and social media.

Will I advance to U.S. Nationals?

Yes, winners from this year’s online Chicago Student Invention Convention can still advance to the online competition of U.S. Nationals.

How will I be judged or evaluated?

Please refer to the Judging Rubric to see how students will be evaluated.

Please note:

Because of the lack of uniformity across logbooks, you will see that the judging rubric focuses on evaluating if the Logbook shows the steps of the invention process overall, but does not break down the score per photo/per step. (6 points)

Similarly, because of the lack of uniformity across LumieLabs Display videos, you will see that the judging rubric focuses on evaluating if the LumieLabs Display video displays significant aspects of the student’s invention process and experience by using images, videos, sound, or other visual effects to showcase the prototype, testing results, design, logbook features,
or other elements. It does not specify or evaluate specific elements that are used. (5 points)

You will also notice that the largest portion of evaluation criteria is the Invention Process overall (70 points), divided into categories of the 7 Steps of Invention. Judges will evaluate the students based on this criteria. They will use all 3 components (Logbook Photos, LumieLabs Display Video, and Pitch Video) to determine the score in each category. Students are free to emphasize different judging criteria across any of the 3 components as they see fit.

For example, if a student wants to emphasize their research, they can discuss the sources they consulted in the Pitch Video, or they can show the research in the LumieLabs Display Video, or they can include that page from their Logbook. Students are welcome to do any or all of these options, as long as they address all components requested by judges.

What do you need to see from my Logbook?

You will have the chance to upload 6 photos of your Logbook pages. Each photo/page should represent a major milestone of the invention process (7 Steps of Invention). You are also invited to include photos of additional content from your Logbook as part of the visuals in the LumieLabs Display video.

How do I create a Pitch Video?

Please refer to the Quick Start guide to creating a Pitch Video for more information. You can also see examples of Pitch Videos in the competition Guidelines.

How do I create a LumieLabs Display video?

Please refer to our LumieLabs quick start guide. You can also access Britannica webinars, video instructions for parents/students, and how-to guides on LumieLabs here.

I finished my invention. What do I need to compete?

You should read the CSIC Online Competition Guidelines. It explains that you will need to submit 6 photos of your Logbook pages, 1 LumieLabs Display video, and 1 Pitch Video.

How do I register for the online competition?

Please use the Online Registration portal to register for the competition. Registration must be initiated by 4/20. Final videos can be submitted by 4/24 at 6 pm. Use this guide for help when registering. You can also contact the program manager directly with questions: ally@chicagoinnovation.com

Who can participate in the online competition?

The online competition is limited to student finalists who attended one of the 60 sites registered in the Chicago Student Invention Convention 2019-2020 program. These students received instruction through participating classrooms from CSIC trained educators and were selected as finalists by their instructors.

Who can participate in the program?

Sites that works with K-8 students in Illinois including: in-school classrooms (public, private, magnet, charter), after school clubs, out-of-school time sites (libraries, youth groups, museums) can participate.For more information, refer to the Teachers page.

My school is interested. How much does it cost?

The program is free for all participating schools and students, thanks to our generous sponsors. Registration and training is required. Once trained, all curricular materials are available online for instructors.

How do I register my school to participate?

Registration for the 2020-2021 program cycle is open, and closed on October 1, 2020. Register your classroom for the 2020-2021 program!

How do teachers implement this program?

The Invention Convention is a flexible critical thinking, innovation, and invention curriculum for grades K-8. Teachers are welcome to use the program in whatever way works best for them. Only teachers can know their own staffing, budgets, interest, and students’ needs. More information can be found on the teachers page on the program website.

I am a parent and would like my student to participate. How do I know if my student is eligible?

The program is open to students from participating sites (libraries, schools, youth centers, and museums) grades K-8. There are no “at-large” opportunities for students that do not attend a participating school. Please reach out to your school representative (principal, assistant principal, curriculum director, classroom teacher) and refer them to our program in order to get involved.

My organization is interested in getting involved. What opportunities are there to sponsor or partner with CSIC?

Thanks for your interest! The generous help of our sponsors and partners sustains and enriches our program! Our sponsors support the program financially, and help us keep this program free of cost to participants. For more information about getting involved, refer to the Program Sponsors page. Our community partners provide opportunities for our students and teachers to help further our mission. For more information about how our partners have enriched the program, refer to the Teachers page.