Invention Crusade

Instructional Guide

During this unit you are going to:

Explore how an idea becomes an invention. Make an invention that will help a small child do something at home.

Junk Box Inventions

Make a list of 5 things you do not like to do at home. Choose one of the things from the list. Invent something to make it better. Describe your invention to the class.

The Invention Timeline

When was your invention invented?

Tell the class the invention you were given. As a class, decide where each invention should be placed on a timeline.

Household Inventions

As a group, choose one of the objects on the handout Household Inventions. What would it be like if the invention never existed?

Profile of an Inventor
Lets learn some more!

Discussion Questions

What characteristics did your inventor have? Are they important for all inventors? What traits should you use for your invention? What are some things the inventors should have done differently?

Invention Museum

Choose your favorite invention from the Household Invention list. Bring it or a picture of it to class. Put your invention or picture in the museum display. Why were these things invented? Was there a special need or opportunity to invent them? Why is inventing so important?

Discussion

Inventors who I.N.V.E.N.T.

Investigate the world around them Notice different needs Visualize creative solutions Explore many different ideas Never give up Test their solutions.

Design Challenge

Design and construct a model of a product that will assist a small child in doing a household task. Remember, design the gadget so that people with different physical abilities can use it too.

Engineering Design Process

Step 1 Identify a challenge

Create a list of things at home that are difficult to do as a small child

Step 2 Explore Ideas

Things to consider while exploring ideas: Who will use it. How big should it be. What materials can be used etc.

Identify a challenge

Step 3 Plan and Develop

Draw a plan for your invention. Build your invention.

Identify a challenge

Explore Ideas

Step 4 Testing and Evaluating

When you have a working model of your invention follow these steps: Test Does it work?

Evaluate Why does or doesnt it work?

Modify To improve your invention.

Make sure you write all your test, evaluate and modify information in your Inventors Journal.
Identify a challenge Explore Ideas Plan and Develop

Step 5 Presenting the Solution

Turn In a group portfolio. Present your working model at the Kids Better Living Home Show.

Identify a challenge
Explore Ideas Plan and Develop Testing and Evaluating