Young Inventors
Grades 2-6
Description: Students participate
in a unit or year long study during which they role play the part of inventors.
Activities in science and throughout the curriculum feature these "young
inventors."
Objectives:
- To heighten interest in science and invention
- To stimulate thinking about science and invention
- To use the interest in science to encourage academic
growth in other
- curricular areas
- To increase self concept through participation in exciting
projects
- To increase understanding of science concepts
Softward and Hardware: computer(s),
word processing and drawing software, printer, Optional: HyperCard or other
presentation program, scanner, digital or video camera, computer projection,
VCR-optional)
Other Needs: Books on inventions,
materials to design and/or construct inventions
Time Required: The idea of
"Young Inventors" will probably evolve into an on-going program
for a class. Time required, therefore, will be dependent upon teacher and
student interest in the program.
Procedures:
Note: Included below are a
variety of ideas that may be used for this project. Teachers should select
suggestions that fit their particular school programs, resources, and students.
- Introduce the idea of "Young Inventors" by
asking the children to bring in information about inventors. During a discussion
of the inventors and their inventions, tell the students that they are
going to become inventors this school year. Ask them how many think they
might be able to invent something? Discuss the invention ideas. Encourage
all students to think that they are able to create and invent.
- Have the students as a classroom group use the computer
to make a list of inventions they would like to create for themselves.
Use a projection device, if available, to show the growing list as different
students type in ideas for inventions. Print out the list and post it in
the classroom. Use the chalkboard if projection is not available, but keep
track of the list by computer.
- Go to the library and/or computer lab with the students
and have them look up information on inventions. Use electronic encyclopedias,
World Wide Web sites, and computer software programs (if available) along
with traditional library resources. Make sure when using Internet sites
that you have bookmarks ready of sites that are appropriate for the age
and ability or that you have captured with sites with WWW site capturing
software.
- Have the study of invention cross the curriculum by including
invention-related activities in a variety of subject areas such as English,
reading, art, music, mathematics, etc.
- Have the students word process letters to scientists,
inventors, government agencies (NASA, military groups, etc.) and companies
requesting information on invention and new ideas.
- Discuss the idea that not all inventions are complicated.
For example, one of the national winning entries in an invention competition
for students was a ribbon and barrette holder designed by a first grade
student. This invention was made from a wire coat hanger.
- Talk with the students about simple inventions that might
help their parents at home. Ask them to write or word process a short description
of their invention and make a drawing (on paper or on the computer) of
the invention. Have them share their ideas with the class.
- Have the students use a computer drawing program to design
and label invention ideas. Print out invention ideas for the class.
- Have the students use "how things work" type
programs and thinking skills puzzle-type programs to study cause and effect.
- Have the students design on paper or on the computer
Rube Goldberg-type cause and effect machine.
- Divide the students into groups and have the groups create
a very simple Rube Goldberg-type invention. (Set rules for construction,
materials, and safety clearly.)
- Invite resource speakers from the community to talk with
the class about creativity. These might be actual inventors or business
representatives who have ideas about needs for their companies. After the
presentation from the inventor or business person, the students should
be encouraged to ask questions and to suggest ideas to discuss with the
inventor/business person. Follow the visits with hand written or word processed
word processed thank you notes that include unique invention suggestions.
- Divide the students into groups to come up with group
invention ideas.
- Make videotapes or computer presentations of students
advertising their inventions.
- Use a word processing or other program and let the students
enter information they find about invention. Encourage students to continue
to enter information throughout the school year. If a scanner or digital
camera is available, invention drawing may be placed in this way into the
copy. This work may become a booklet (diary) of class invention work and
ideas collected throughout the year. Have the book available for checkout
from the school library.
Note: Although copyright can
be a concern when scanning commercial drawings and photographs, according
to National Geographic, for example, scans of their material may be used
if the use is for classroom work only. Such work may not be submitted for
competitions or used beyond the classroom.
- Create "movies" of inventions using programs
(if available) such as Kid Pix Studio, Creative Writer2, presentation programs,
etc.
- Use the materials provided textbook companies on invention.
- Invite parents to visit the classroom for a program in
which students talk about their inventions and show either the designs
for an invention that is not possible at this time or actual student-created
inventions.
Follow-up/Extensions:
- Field trips to science museums are suggested.
- Teachers will find that their students continue an interest
in invention well beyond the year when they are initially involved in this
project. Discussions with teachers the students will have as they move
on to higher grade levels are suggested. This way follow-up may be continued
keeping the focus upon the importance of science, invention, and creative
thinking in lives of the students.
Suggestions for Parents: Having
young inventors around is exciting. You never know what they'll come up
with. It's best to talk over their invention ideas first and then make
suggestions such as:
- All Inventors practice safety rules. What rules do you
think you need to follow for this invention?
- Wow! What a great idea. I think it would work in your
room (instead of the street) if you just . . . .
- I think that's one for you to draw on paper. It's a wonderful
idea. Here's a big sheet of paper. Let's see your very special invention.
(Use this if getting the materials will be impossible, if creating the
invention will be impossible or dangerous for your child, etc.)
- It might be better to use cardboard instead of tin, and
for the diamonds and rubies, . . . .
Remember to supervise carefully and to stress safety.
Another very important guideline for parents is not to step in and take
over the project. Sometimes parents think if they just added one more part
to the invention, if they just completed one part for their children, the
invention would be better if they just..., but often parent takeovers destroy
children's enthusiasm, give children the idea that parents will do all
projects for them, and give children the idea that their work is not good
enough.
Submitted by:
Peggy Rodgers
Retired Grade 2 Teacher
Florida
Lesson Plan Disclaimer
