Objective: To understand why inventions are often a product of a problem

Materials: Transparency Number 5 - 8.  Activity sheet # 1 and # 2
 
 

Part I

1. Ask students to respond to the quotation by Albert Einstein that was given from             Lesson 1.

2.    The question that you must ask yourself is - Why invent?  Show students the following transparencies to illustrate why the invention were invented.  Dicuss Transparency No. 5- The Better Mouse Trap.  Melton created this invention because he wanted to solve his friend's problem.  Discuss Transparency No. 6, about Gina Gallant's need for crispier crackers. Discuss Transparency No. 7, the Stetro Pencil Gripper.  This invention was created because the father was trying to solve his daughter's problem with handwriting.
 
 

Part II

1. Divide your students into groups that do not exceed three per group.  Have each group do Activity Sheet No. 1 - Invent a Game.  Allow no more than ten minutes and have one person from each group explain how their game works.
 
 

Part III

1. A very important part of an inventors life is the keeping of journals or diaries.  These writings contain the thoughts and the sketches of the inventor as he\she proceeds through the invention process.  It is important for students to know that keeping a diary of their part of the process they will go through as they progress in their inventive process.  Any work that relates to the invention process regardless of how small, how weird or how off the wall it may be should be entered as an entry with a date.  Diagram and sketches should be included. (You can place a value on this diary as part of your evaluation).  A sample diary is in the appendix.

2. Assign Activity Sheet No. 2 - Create A New Invention as homework.  Tell students that wild ideas are welcome for this activity.  Come prepared for the next class to share your ideas.
 
 

Debriefing

Put the following ideas into the student's head:

1. Most inventions arise from a problem that is experienced by the inventor.
2. Inventions can use items that have already been invented or items that can be put to different uses.
3. Inventors need to keep a diary of their work.