INVENTION PROJECT

Mr. Todd’s D&M Classes

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.

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.

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.

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 doesn’t give you a good idea about what my product can do.

Due Date: 10/18/2013

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?

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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?”

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!