This document outlines the steps and requirements for a student invention project. Students will go through the scientific process to create simple solutions to everyday problems. They will interview others to generate invention ideas, then develop a name, purpose, hypothesis, materials list, and procedure for their idea. Students will sketch, build a model, collect data, and write a conclusion reflecting on the process. The project culminates with an advertisement for the invention and handing in all materials by the final due date. The goal is for students to connect scientific problem-solving to real-world situations through designing their own inventions.
2. The Invention
The
invention project takes the
students through the steps of the
scientific method and helps them
connect this process to a real-world
situation.
The idea is for the students to create
simple solutions for simple problems.
3. Past Invention Examples
One
student created a shield to put
on a cereal box.
This helped him to avoid spilling cereal
when he sat down to eat breakfast.
One
student created a mop that
attached to a grocery cart.
This invention allowed the grocery cart
to clean the store while the shopper
walked through the store.
4. Interviews
Due
Date: October 14, 2013
Students should first answer the set of
questions for themselves.
Then, they must choose 2 other people
to interview. These can be parents,
other family members, neighbors, etc.
The interviews should help the students
think of possible invention ideas.
5. Name of Invention
The
students should come up with a
catchy name that also tells what the
invention does.
The Meckster 3000 might be a catchy
name, but it doesnt give you a good
idea about what my product can do.
Due
Date: 10/18/2013
6. Purpose
Due
Date: 10/16/2013
This section answers 2 questions:
1.) What problem are you trying to
solve? This should be written in the
form of a question. (Ex. How can the
inventor stop the cereal from pouring all
over the table?)
2.) Why is your problem something that
needs a solution?
7. Hypothesis
Due Date: 10/21/2013
What is your invention idea, and how will it
solve the problem.
This must be written using the proper if then format.
Ex. If the inventor builds a shield, then the
cereal will pour into the bowl without spilling
on the table.
Also, write about why you think your
invention will work.
8. Materials
Due
Date: 10/24/2013
Create a list of all of the materials
you think you will use to create your
project. Be as specific as possible.
If you think you need buttons, state
how big they need to be and how
many you will use.
9. Procedure
Due
Date: 10/29/13
State step-by-step how you will build
your invention.
Be as specific and detailed as
possible.
Do not use first person.
Say The inventor instead of I.
10. Sketch
Due
Date: 10/31/13
This should be a sketch of what you
think your invention will look like.
Must include a scale measure (e.g. 1
cm: 2 inches)
It should be drawn neatly and should
have some color.
11. Model
Due
Date:
Please do not bring this to school until
the final due date.
You
should create a small working
model of your invention.
Please see Mr. Todd early on in the
project if you need help getting
supplies.
12. Data
Due
Date: 11/5/13
Discuss the invention process.
How many times did you have to
change or tweak things in order for
your invention to work?
How much would it cost if you sold
it in the store?
This section must also include a
chart/graph or pictures of your
invention.
13. Conclusion
Due
Date: 11/7/13
This section should be a reflection
on the invention process.
What did you learn about inventing?
How would you change things if you
had to do it over again?
14. Invention AD
You
will be creating an Advertisement
by video, audio, or digital poster during
the days of Nov 12-15.
Must advertise
What your invention is:
How it solves the problem:
Demonstrates its use.
Use
your creativity to create the ad.
15. Final Details
The
invention final due date will
be 11/18/2013.
The students must have their invention
Advertisement, and model ready to
hand in on that day during class.
All previous project work will be
TURNED IN at this time!
16. Sample Interview Questions
Are
there any problems that you
think we can solve with an
invention?
Have you ever thought about an
invention you would want to make?
What problem did it solve?
Do you have a simple problem that
we could solve with a simple
invention?
17. Project Tips
Get a folder or small notebook to keep all
your work in. Remember you will have to
turn in ALL your work at ONE time.
Make sure you are aware of due dates. I
have tried to schedule due dates roughly
three or four days apart from each other.
Keep track of your work by dating and
naming EVERYTHING! Nothing is worse
than losing part of a project! If your name
is on it you have a better chance of getting
it back!