INVENTION PROJECT

6th Grade Inventors

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: September 21, 2012 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: 9/28/12

Purpose

Due Date: 9/28/12 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: 10/4/12 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: 10/12/12 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: 10/12/12 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: 10/19/12 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: 10/26/12– 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. Swords early on in

the project if you need help getting supplies.

Data

Due Date: 11/2/12 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: 11/2/12 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?

Oral Presentation

The students should complete the outline in the invention packet and be ready to give a brief presentation about their invention to the rest of the class.

They must be able to show their invention model and their invention board.

Invention Glog Students will create an invention Glog to

present to the class. All of the sections of the scientific

method must be linked within the Glog to headings (– Ex. Make a heading “prodedure” in your glog that

links to the procedure document you made.”

All Glogs must be organized, creatively designed, and colorful.

Ads must be linked to Glog as well.

Invention AD You will be creating an Advertisement by

video, audio, or digital poster during the days of Nov 6-9.

Must advertise– What your invention is:– How it solves the problem:– Demonstrates its use.

Use your creativity to create the ad. Video tutorials to use software available on

Mr. Swords website.

Final Details We plan to work on the invention Glogs

and advertisements in class November 6-9

Students will do final edits on Google document sections of the Scientific Method and link sections to the glog.

The invention final due date will be 11/16/2012.– The students must have their invention

Glog, Advertisement, and model ready to hand in on that day during Homeroom.