Our kids spend a majority the school year learning about the discoveries of others. They learn how the world works, ways systems have functioned in the past, and inventions by others. They hear about successes and failures, but they don’t always get to engage in learning that unleashes their creativity. This summer the Thingamajig Invention Convention can be used to inspire STEAM learning that allows imaginations to run wild.
About the Thingamajig Invention Convention
We want to inspire kids to come up with different ideas for how things should work. Engaging them in hands-on, project-based learning helps them create change they want to see in the world. YMCA’s annual Thingamajig Invention Convention helps children harness their creativity to help others.
Thingamajig is a series of creative hands-on STEAM challenges. This event is open to children across the country who want to unlock their inner “makers.” Using supplies they can find around the house, young inventors design, test, build, collaborate, and create to make the world a better place.
This year there are 11 different challenges kids ages 5-14 can choose to tackle. They range from engineering contraptions that will bring joy to others, helping adults can lead healthier lives, providing security for all families, designing sustainable footwear, devising inclusive games, and more!
Take a look at the challenges below and register your child to compete at bit.ly/YMCAThingamajig2024! Every creation will be reviewed by judges and every child receives positive feedback on their submission!
2024 Thingamajig Challenges
Action Contraptions— Unleash your creativity and engineering skills to transform an ordinary object into an extraordinary Action Contraption. Be the inventor of a fun and exciting gadget that will bring joy and wonder to those who use it.
Helping Hand, Helping Heart— Imagine a world where older adults can lead happier, healthier, and more independent lives. Realizing the needs of seniors, design a new tool or technology that will make their lives better.
Home is Essential— Picture a world where no one is left without shelter or warmth. Using your imagination and creativity, design a living space that offers comfort, security and dignity to those individuals or families experiencing homelessness.
iCan…Play— Use your imagination and engineering skills to design an inclusive game or toy that ensures children of all abilities can join in the excitement and play safely. Now is your opportunity to create an amazing invention that brings joy and entertainment to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Limb Friendly— Use your imagination and problem-solving skills to design a truly remarkable and useful invention that will help someone missing a limb or in need of assistance. Just think, your invention can make a positive impact on someone’s life.
Paper Made— Unleash your creativity and imagination as you dive into the world of eco-friendly paper designing. Using the power of paper, design an eco-friendly invention using only paper or cardboard.as your building blocks.
Ready, Set, Zoom— Rev up your creativity and engineering skills in the Ready, Set, Zoom Invention Challenge! Put the laws of motion into action by designing a mobile creation made from recycled materials that can spin, roll, rock, and go.
Robot Magic— Whether big or small, let your imagination run wild as you engineer an incredible robot that performs a task to help make the world a better place
Scrap Art— Transform discarded scraps and found objects into a masterpiece of art using your imagination and creative energy. Whether you sculpt it, frame it, or create a mixed media piece, let your creativity shine as you mastermind a unique creation
Shoes, Shoes, New Shoes— Step into the world of foot fashion design. Think outside the box as you put your creativity to the test by designing a new and exciting footwear that puts a fresh and sustainable look to an environmentally friendly shoe.
Zero Waste Trashion Fashion— With your passion for fashion mixed with concern for the environment, create a one-of-a-kind piece that not only looks fabulous but also helps protect our planet. Repurpose old fabrics, accessories and other odds and ends into a work of art ready for the runway. Show off your fabulous fashion at this year’s Thingamajig Convention.
The YMCA provided a Family Membership for my family in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own and photos are courtesy of YMCA DC and DepositPhotos.
