Video Presentation

Rules:
Grades K–2: 2- to 6-minutes video with permitted use of notecards and/or simple parent prompting (not interview style)
Grades 3–4:  4- to-6-minutes video with permitted use of notecards but no parent/adult prompting of any kind
Grades 5-12: 4- to-6-minute video with no notecards or adult prompting
• Fully address the Invention Process and Invention Impact sections of the rubric, with a focus on the problem you are addressing and how your invention works, and explain its originality.
• The video must run continuously, with no editing or production interruptions.
• While filming on a smartphone, hold the phone horizontally/landscape.

What is the purpose of your video presentation?
• Your video will be judged using the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals 2025 rubric. Please see the rubric and the video outline for help with planning your presentation.
• Sponsors may view videos in determining their award winners.

What are the judges looking for?
Please read the rubric carefully. The judges will score your video presentation based on the rubric and your ability to communicate the key components of your invention. Use the rubric to plan the content of your video.

What if I worked as a team?
Please include all teammates in the video and show the display board and prototype. Ideally, find a way shoot your video as a team, even if that means using an online social platform. You may also choose one inventor to present for the team. That inventor will be responsible for filming the video, uploading it to zFairs and then sharing the link with all of the teammates so that each team member may use the same link within our registration system. The inventor who does the video presentation should have the display board and prototype to use in the video, if possible, and should mention each team member’s name at the start of the video. If your team has already shot your video as a team or finds a way to shoot as a team using an online social platform, then that would be ideal.

Tips to consider
• Begin with introductions; say your name, grade, school and the name of your invention.
• Your video MUST address the originality of your invention; include an explanation of research completed to establish originality.
• Consider incorporating all steps of the invention process, including steps you made to create your invention. What challenges did you encounter? What changes did you make and why? Read the rubric carefully to make sure you address all criteria.

Helpful hints for filming
• Film with a smartphone or video camera. Remember to hold the phone horizontally.
• Plan what you are going to say.
• Use your prototype and display board in the video.
• Find a quiet, well-lit spot where you can set up your display board and invention and you have room to present. Natural light from windows works well. Do not stand in front of the window, as you will appear as a silhouette. The light should be directed toward you, the invention and your display board.
• Use a loud, clear voice. You may want to practice this a few times with the camera.
• Before recording, take a deep breath and relax. Remember, you are the expert on your invention. Uploading your video during registration
• Follow the prompts on screen during the “Entry” section of registration to upload your recorded video.

Receiving and using feedback
Receiving feedback and making changes based on that feedback are an important part of improving your invention. If you have received judge feedback from your local or regional and state fairs, record that feedback, and note any changes that you make to your invention. Remember that feedback is not criticism but is part of the invention process — your judges are experts in their fields and want to help you improve your invention.

For K-2 inventors
K-2 inventors may need an adult to prompt them with questions from behind the camera. Refer to the next section for prompting questions.

Topics for your video and suggested times 
When preparing for your presentation, use the outline provided below and questions as a guideline. These topics are what judges will be scoring you on, so you want to make sure you address these in your presentation. Overall, the judges want to hear about your invention process, so spend time explaining how you arrived at your end result. The times suggested for each topic are just that, suggestions. Do not feel that you have to speak for that long. Be concise with what you have to say, and do not worry if your video does not reach the maximum time. 

Invention Video Presentation Judging Criteria (Total: out of 5 points)