Be sure to do the following: Keep a log - write down and date everything you do even if it is thinking about an idea that you later discard. Those that did well at the regional convention had excellent logs and drawings. Read the materials in you invention packet carefully and keep materials that you use to list as references.You must do reserch on the Internet, in catalogs, in stores, etc. to see if your idea is already on the market. If it is, think of an IMPROVEMENT to the existing product. Remember you will need some way of displaying and advertising your product. They are again awarding special prizes for the SMALLEST and most UNIQUE displays. If you help getting started, please use the links below: http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/inventor.html
http://www.kidskonnect.com/Invent/InventionsHome.html
http://www.bkfk.com/
http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa073000a.htm
http://inventors.about.com/od/kidinventions/
Fantastic Contraption http://fantasticcontraption.com/index.php
Smithsonian http://www.inventionatplay.org/playhouse_main.html
Inventionland