As we continue our creative problem solving unit, Pioneers of the 20th century, we will spend time researching inventions that have changed the ways in which we live our daily lives. We will learn about different inventions that reflect this past century of innovation. You will then have an opportunity to be an inventor! The purpose of this learning experience is to provide you a real world situation where you can practice being creative and innovative thinkers.
We will be working on these inventions in class over the next few weeks, but you need to begin thinking about your invention and gathering the materials you will need outside of class. Here are some strategies to help you get started:
· Brainstorm Problems: Think about things people need in order to complete their daily tasks. What can you create that would improve their daily lives? What would make daily activities better, easier, or cheaper? Talk to your family and friends and see what problems they would like to see changed. They could have problems you have not thought of before. Spend time just collecting a list of problems. Try to gather at least 10! Narrow your problems down to one that interests you and that you will try to solve.
· Brainstorm Solutions: List all of the different ideas you have to solve the problem. Your solution could be a process or a better way to do something. Think of lots of solutions – at least 10! Finally, select a solution that you think you could actually make. Make sure your idea is really a new idea and can be easily made from materials that are available.
· Materials: What materials will you need to create your invention? Make a list of materials you will need and begin collecting them. Items might include paper towel rolls, plastic bottles, Styrofoam packing materials, cardboard, clothes pins, Velcro, magnets, etc. (Think: anything you could use in trash-to-treasure!) You may store your items in a bag/box marked with your name in class. Have your materials in class by February 6th.
We will spend class time working on the design for the invention, building and testing the invention, and creating a marketing plan.
Note: this is a solution and an invention that our students will make together in class. Parents can help with brainstorming, but cannot create any inventions. Attached you will find an optional activity that helps students learn about life before many of our everyday inventions.
Thank you in advance for encouraging our problem solvers!
-Mrs. Bates and Ms. Serafin, http://mbestag.weebly.com