Inventions
Grades: 3–6, adaptable
Subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Language Arts, Art
Time: 4–6 class periods
Purpose
Students investigate how inventions address problems or needs and then apply a simple engineering-design process to a classroom problem.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the problem or need addressed by an invention.
- Research a historical invention accurately.
- Communicate a design using sketches, labels, models, and explanations.
- Test a prototype and identify improvements.
Procedure
- Examine familiar inventions and identify the need each addresses.
- Research one historical invention, including inventor, approximate date, purpose, materials, and documented impact.
- Create a labeled schematic or diagram.
- Design a solution to a simple classroom problem, build a model, test it, and record revisions.
- Present the problem, design, materials, testing, and improvements.
Assessment
Assess research accuracy, labeled diagram, prototype function, testing record, revision, and oral/written explanation.
Extension
Students may research historical plant selection or agricultural improvements. Keep this as research rather than conducting uncontrolled plant-breeding experiments in class.