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Notes for Teachers

This lesson is a part of an Entrepreneur Elective Class that I offer. Our ultimate goal is to develop original products with creative technology to sell at our STEM festival in the spring.

This can be used as a standalone lesson or used apart of a larger theme.

List of Materials

Items from around your classroom or house

Wacky Inventions slides

EngineeringDesignProcessChallengepg1.pdf

EngineeringDesignProcessChallengepg2.pdf.pdf

EngineeringDesignProcessChallengepg3.pdf.pdf

EngineeringDesignProcessChallengepg4.pdf.pdf

Accidental Inventions that Changed the World

3D printer

You can use this lesson without a 3D printer or other technology.

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Standards

Science Standards:

S1C3-03: Use models and/or simulations to represent and investigate features of objects, events, and processes in the real world.

Engineering Standards:

ETS1.B: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process.

Technology Standards:

TD.6-8.1: Use digital tools to design and prototype a solution to a real-world problem.

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Objective(s):

Students will understand the principles of creative problem-solving and innovation by designing wacky inventions. They will collaborate, think critically, and use the engineering design process to develop their inventions.

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Agenda

Duration: 5-7 sessions, 40 minutes each

Session 1

Begin by discussing the concept of innovation and wacky inventions with the students.
Show examples of famous wacky inventions and their impact on society.
Discuss the engineering design process (Define the problem, Generate ideas, Build prototypes, Test and refine, Communicate the solution).
Form small groups of three.

Session 2: Research and Brainstorming

Encourage students to brainstorm creative ideas for their wacky inventions.
Each group presents their ideas to the class, explaining the problem their inventive product solves.
Students will give and receive constructive feedback in order to iterate their design.

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Agenda

Session 3: Design and Prototyping

In their groups, students use digital tools to create visual representations (e.g., sketches, digital designs) of their wacky inventions.
Discuss the importance of prototyping and testing in the design process.
Each group creates a simple prototype of their invention using craft materials or 3D modeling software.

Session 4 : Presentations and Reflection

Each group prepares a presentation showcasing their wacky inventions, including the problem they addressed, the design process, and the improvements made.
Groups present their inventions to stakeholders, encouraging feedback and questions.
After all presentations, facilitate a class discussion on the importance of creative problem-solving and the engineering design process.
Have students reflect on the challenges they faced and the skills they developed during the project.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

You work for Wacky Inventions Inc., a company famous for its innovation and product development! You and your team are Wacky Inventions Inc.’s leading innovators and the company is relying on you to come up with a revolutionary new product that will skyrocket the company’s poor sales and reestablish it as a leading innovator! Wacky Inventions Inc., a company famous for its innovation and product development! You and your team are Wacky Inventions Inc.’s leading innovators and the company is relying on you to come up with a revolutionary new product that will skyrocket the company’s poor sales and reestablish it as a leading innovator!

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Groups of 3 have worked best for past classes.
Introduce the slides.
Divide into groups of 3, either student choice or teacher based on class makeup.
Students will choose their items from the item table. (Items gathered from classroom or home. I have used PVC pipe, garbage bags, non-working robots, ect.)
Students will spend time with ideas on how to combine their items into a new product, tape and glue provided.
Groups will present their products and their function to the class and receive feedback for iteration.
Groups will then use 3D software to create a model of their product for a presentation for “stakeholders”. (adults found for a panel)
Final discussions

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Assessment

Assess students based on their participation in group discussions, the completion of the engineering design process worksheet, and the quality of their invention designs and presentations.

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Differentiation

Visual Aids: Provide visual aids, such as images or videos of wacky inventions, to help students who may struggle with imagination. These aids can inspire them and make the ideation process easier.

Guided Brainstorming: Offer a list of different categories for wacky inventions (e.g., kitchen gadgets, outdoor tools, school supplies) to help students who may struggle to come up with ideas independently.

Simplified Materials: If a physical prototype is involved, use easy-to-work-with materials like cardboard and craft supplies. This helps students who may have difficulty handling complex construction materials.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Real-life Applications: Challenge students to think about how their wacky inventions could be modified or adapted for practical, real-life use. This extension encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Market Research: Have students conduct simple surveys or interviews with peers, teachers, or family members to gather feedback on their inventions. This exercise can teach them about the importance of market research and understanding user needs.(We use this later when the students are deciding on products to create and sell for the STEM festival)

Invention Enhancement: Challenge students to take their wacky inventions to the next level by adding additional features or functionalities. This extension encourages creativity and innovation.

Invention Showcase: Organize an invention showcase event where students can present their creations to the school community or parents. This extension provides an opportunity to build confidence and presentation skills.