About this resource
This lesson addresses the invention process and the importance of failure and learning from mistakes in order to be a successful inventor. Students will have the opportunity to think about what qualities are most important in an inventor as well as what motivates us to invent. Students will create their own basic plan for an improvement, innovation or modification.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Science, Language Arts
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
What students will do
Students will focus on the skills, knowledge and attitudes related to the innovation process in order to become a successful inventor or entrepreneur. This includes identifying a problem, recognizing the requirements of creating a solution and creating a construction of the innovation.
Resources Needed
Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty, one large white board, computer, and projector.
Lesson sequence & procedures
Hook 10 minutes: View and discuss the Ted Ed Talk video "How inventions change history (for better and for worse)" - Kenneth C. Davis. Ask students to think about inventions, machines and tools that have changed our lives for the better, and what it takes to be an inventor.
Direct Instruction and Guided Practice:
15 minutes Read Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty. On a large white board, guide the students in identifying and writing the problem in Rosie's story, and the strategies she used to find a solution, and the story's resolution. Answers for the book's problem should include that Rosie loved to invent but she struggled to invent something she felt was really meaningful. Strategies for successful innovation came from her aunt who encouraged Rosie to persevere and not give up on her dream to be an engineer by continuing to think, explore and learn from her mistakes. The book's resolution is Rosie recognizes that the only true failure comes when we quit.
Guided Practice: 25 minutes: Ask students to independently brainstorm some problems they deal with at school or in the library, or ideas they've considered for inventions. Students will be encouraged to think about the reasons why people like to make things (For the pleasure of learning and accomplishing, to create something that meets their needs or interests, to solve a problem or improve their world, to save money, to protect the environment or recycle/upcycle, to make money, etc.) Review the qualities that we discussed that are most important for an inventor: perseverance, confidence, curiosity and willingness to make mistakes and learn from them.
Brainstorm a problem or area of need. Ask students to think about a problem they would like to solve or an improvement they could make with a new idea, tool, or machine. Point out that new or adapted recipes, advanced designs for paper airplanes, modified organizational tools, altered accessories, innovative ways to use ordinary objects, improvements on things you already have are all inventions. Students will sketch out or outline the basic idea behind their invention.
Closing Reflection: Students may share their sketch with the group.
How learning is assessed
Students will be observed and assessed based on the level of their engagement in discussions and while working independently.