Be An Inventor

at the Inventor's Club

Lesson 5

 

In this activity, children will discuss how machines help people do things. Then they will "invent" machines that can help them do something they need help doing.  

Duration:

5 days

Objectives:

Students will actively explore the Internet as a valuable resource and tool for acquiring

information about the world.

Students will gain research based knowledge of how inventions effect our daily lives.

Students will explore how science and technology influence every aspect of our lives.

Students will develop and utilize critical thinking skills.

 

Materials:

Key Vocabulary:

machines, wacky, contraption, convention

Procedures:

  1. Discuss with children how different machines help people do things. For example, airplanes help people fly to different places and trucks help people carry heavy things from place to place. Point out that machines often help people do things that they could not do, or would have trouble doing, by themselves. Then ask children what kinds of things they can't do (or have trouble doing) on their own. List their responses on chart paper.
  2. Next, explain to children that they are going to be inventors. They are going to invent machines that help them do difficult things. Allow them some time to brainstorm in small groups about the types of machines they could invent. (They can refer to the list for ideas.)
  3. Then pass out the construction paper and have children draw their machines. Tell them to leave space at the bottom of the paper for the name of the machine. Help them to label their pictures as necessary. When children are finished, have them share their pictures in small groups. Encourage them to tell the name of their invention and what it does.
  4. Finally, display the finished pictures on an Inventors' Hall of Fame bulletin board.  

 

 Assessment:

Level PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTION
4
 The proposed invention provides a unique solution to the situation. The proposed invention reflects a high level of creativity.
3
 The stated purpose provides a good answer to the identified situation or need.
2
 The proposed invention will not provide a complete remedy for the situation.
1
 The proposed invention has a little or no relation to the unmet need or situation described.

 

Home Learning:

Using the Inventor's Coloring Book on the National Geographic Site, have students create their own Wacky inventions by printing, cutting, pasting and coloring. Students will print and mail in the form along with their invention.

Extension Activity:

Set up a classroom invention company. Invite children from other classes to submit difficult tasks that they would like machines to help them do. Then have the children in your class invent machines (draw pictures of machines) that can do the jobs.  

Have an inventor's convention. Children can dress in lab coats (or smocks), display the pictures of their inventions on tables around the room, and visit each other's exhibits.  

Allow students to go online to play Wild and Wacky Inventions Games.

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