How have inventions changed the world? This unit focuses on the importance, the process and the creativity involved in inventing. Through the study of inventions and inventors, students learn how inventions are created and the characteristics that inventors share. They will create a slideshow presentation on an invention/inventor of their choice. Students will work through steps to come up with their own unique inventions. Finally, they will develop brochures to promote their inventions.

Print reference materials, copies of attached handouts

Computers with Internet access, scanner, digital camera, word processing or desktop publishing software, presentation software

Teacher may want to reserve appropriate books from the school and local public libraries. Prepare handouts (see attached) for students.

1.)Introduce students to the project. Review the websites and printed resources available and allowed time to explore the various inventions and inventors. After exploring the various possibilities, students will decide on an invention/inventor to research.
(Inventions A to Z)
Inventions A to Z has articles on numerous inventions. The website also has a link to Inventors A to Z, as well as, links to websites for Black, Canadian, Chinese, and Women inventors.

2.)Students will research an invention, and its inventor, of their choice. They will use printed resources collected by the teacher, as well as, approved Internet resources to complete the "My Invention/Inventor Project". Five questions have been identified and spaces are included for three more questions to be added. Students need to develop these additional questions from their research.
(Inventors Hall of Fame)
This website has an extensive list of inventors.

3.)Here are some additional websites that may be used in the research phase of this unit:
(The History of Invention)
This site gives some history of inventions.

4.)Website:
(American Inventors and Inventions)
This site gives facts about American Inventors and Inventions.

5.)Website:
(Invention Dimension)
This site maintained by MIT has an Inventor of the Week link and an Inventor’s handbook.

6.)Website:
(Inventions and Discoveries)
This site is an on-line almanac.

7.)Website:
(The Invention Convention)
This site gives the steps to research inventions and create them.

8.)When students have completed their research they will use the information to develop a slideshow presentation on their inventor and invention. They will follow the attached format and storyboard to plan the project.

9.)When the presentations are completed, students will complete a rubric (see attached) to assess their project in the following areas: content, mechanics, presentation, organization and attractiveness. The teacher will also provide feedback using the same assessment tool.

10.)Students will present their completed slideshows to their class. The class will then discuss the characteristics that the various inventors shared that helped them to become an inventor.

11.)Have students go through the next steps on the following website to create their own inventions.
( The Invention Convention)
This site has steps to help students learn about inventions and how to create their own inventions.

12.)When the students have completed their inventions, they will develop a brochure to promote their invention as a part of the local "Invention Convention." They will use the attached template to complete their brochures.

13.)In conclusion, have an "Invention Convention" to allow students to demonstrate their creations.

The attached rubrics will be used to assess students' projects.

Students may also help plan an "Invention Convention" that would showcase their inventions for the community.