Inventors, Inventions, and Innovations

Fall 2015

Period:

Groups of 3-4

NAMES(First L., First L., First L., First L.)

1) What is the difference between Invention and Innovation?

READ the passage and answer the question on the next slide.

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There IS a difference between an Invention and an Innovation.

Inventions are the initial or first creation of an idea. Inventions are unique, creative, and have never been created before. Innovations are created from improvements or changes upon invention. They modify an invention enough that they are now unique and original but still strand from an existing idea or device.

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For example, the very first light bulb created was an invention. The improvement on this device by making a fluorescent or LED light bulb would be an innovation. In some cases, if the changes are substantial enough the device can be considered an innovation AND an invention. Such case could be made for an LED light bulb. The LED light bulb is an improvement upon the original light bulb but since an LED light bulb had never existed before it was created, it is also an invention.

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Inventions and Innovations are not just nouns that describe devices but they can be used as verbs as well. The process of inventing and the innovating.

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2) What is the difference between Invention and Innovation? (continued)

1) Identify 4 examples of Inventions and Innovations.

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3) Inventions and Inventors

Using the Invention Archive Website and the NEXT 4 Slides, each person in your group must answer the following questions:

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1. What is the invention? (Name and picture)
2. Who was the inventor? (Name and picture)
3. A 5-8 sentence description of the invention, history to the invention, and background information about the inventor.

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Note: You may use other sources and websites if needed.

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When finished, be sure to discuss and share your research.

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3) How have Inventions changed history and the way of life?

Inventions have shaped history and the way of life. In your group, Identify 4 different Inventions (No repeats from previous slides) and discuss how they have changed history and shaped the world we know.

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Here are some prompting questions. Try to discuss 1 of these questions for each of the inventions your group picks.

1. What did they used before the invention?
2. How has the world changes since this invention came about?
3. What are the effects of the invention? (cultural, societal, environmental, economic, political)
4. In what ways has this invention been innovated? Why?

What were the 4 inventions your group discussed?

3) How have Inventions changed history and the way of life? (Continued)

In your group, debate and discuss what are the top 8 most important inventions of all time. The order does matter, so make sure everyone agrees!

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4) Problems and Inventions

1. Together, read the following passage:

Inventions and Innovation are driven by problems. Our entire world and way of living is the product or result of problems and solutions. Problems are everywhere and are constantly occurring. Problems can be viewed from many angles as well. One person might look at a problem differently than another person and thus develop a solution differently than another person.

For example, if I say have trouble opening my locker, the problem could be viewed in multiple different ways. One person might believe that I need to work on the technique used to open my locker. Another person might believe that we need to eliminate the lock and we would not have that problem. The problem could also be seen as the design of lock or locker. Every way we look at it, a different solution could be developed. However, nothing is ever perfect, and a solution to the original problem (difficulty with opening a lock and locker) could open up doors to a whole new set of problems.

Solutions or inventions do not always have to be tangible products. Solutions might be a process, a change in procedure, a change in way of thinking. However, when it comes to inventions and for the purpose of this activity, we will focus on tangible products as solutions to problems. Remember, to be innovative, you must be able to identify problems and view problems from multiple angles.

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4) Problems and Inventions

(Continued)

2) Summarize the reading (discuss).

3) What is the relationship between inventions and problems?

Record your answer here:

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4) Since inventions have a relationship with problems, return to the passage and HIGHLIGHT the words “Problem” or “Problems”.

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4) Problems and Inventions

(Continued)

5) By now, you should know that inventions are created to solve problems but you need to also know that they cause problems. Remember Trade-off? With inventions, we solve a problem but there are always problems with those inventions. On the next slide, discuss the inventions listed and fill in the table to help show the inventions’ relationship with problems.

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Need Help Identifying the original problem? Try the steps:

1. What was used (or what was done) before the invention.
2. What was a problem with that version
3. Restate the problem that the invention solved
4. ID a new problem that the invention created

5) Problems are everywhere

So we know that inventions solve problems and that there are always new problems that need solved. Basically, problems are everywhere waiting to be solved with Inventions or Innovations. The most popular inventions solve common problems. Let’s come up with common problems that need solved! Need help? Think of problems you encounter everyday! Try to come up with at least 10!

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Problems: Examples- The dog knocks over its water bowl. The remote falls between the couch.

Finished?

Have some time left? You have 2 options…

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1. Explore some Gajitz
1. While you explore, think about how they solve problems about can still be innovated.
2. Watch some History Channel Inventions Videos
• While you watch, think about how the inventors/inventions have changed history.

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Whichever option you choose, you need to share your result with your group.