Academy of Applied Science
SPARKS:2002
National Inventors' Month ? August: It was over the top!
by Joanne Hayes-Rines, AAS Vice President
As the Academy joined again with Inventors' Digest and the United Inventors Association to celebrate National Inventors' Month?, what began as a good idea is evolving into a great annual project.
Last year 3,050 libraries from Maine to Hawaii requested and received specially designed display packets that contained posters, banners, crossword puzzles, bookmarks and more. The librarians used them to build displays that would explain the process of new product development, spark imaginations and honor those who have created the products that make our lives safer, healthier, easier and more fun. This August we had 5,000 requests for the materials!
Lord Corporation of Erie, Penn., is the major corporate sponsor of the program; the rest of the money is being raised the old fashioned way by "passing the hat." Inventors and those who wanted to encourage kids to follow their innate creativity donated thousands of dollars by sponsoring one or more libraries at the rate of $12.25 per library. We are hoping that other corporations will follow the
lead of the Lord Corporation and support this far-reaching library program.
NEW for 2002: Many of the materials were designed so that they could be used year-round by teachers. We promoted the program to teachers and hundreds signed up.
MORE NEW for 2002: FREE information for would-be inventors. The United Inventors Association created an informative hand out that was part of the materials sent to libraries. The basic how-to guide was designed for anyone who has a good idea and doesn't know where to begin. One of the biggest challenges a would-be inventor faces is finding reputable help. There are many invention marketing companies that charge high fees for services of questionable value. The UIA's free material is aimed at educating the uninformed consumer/inventor.
Want to sign up for the free library materials or the free teachers guide? Go to www.inventorsdigest.com/
Want to donate to this grassroots program? Send your tax-deductible contribution to Academy of Applied Science, 24 Warren St., Concord, NH 03301. We're passing the hat and hope you'll take a minute to dig in your pocket--no donation is too small.
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