INVENTION CONVENTION TIME
This post provides you with a calendar for the Invention Convention and some helpful advice for those of you who are new to it. We will try to do the majority of work at school, but there will be some work to do at home, primarily presentation boards and prototypes. I have intentionally built in some extra time for students who may fall behind or have exceptionally busy extracurricular lives. My hope is that students will do a little at a time so they can really think and reflect on the process, rather than having a stressful, "just get it done" experience. This is also an early introduction to time management.
All 3rd grade students will be participating in Windermere's Invention Convention.
This project will require some homework. I have attempted to detail all important steps and deadlines.
List of Problems - Due January 20 Identify three common, everyday problems. This homework sheet was sent home last week. Students viewed two videos on inventing, emphasizing starting with the problem first.
Click to visit video.
Click to visit video.
I am looking for problems third graders can solve, not robots or time machines;) They will inevitably think of inventions without focusing on the problems first. A good rule of thumb is if they anticipate needing to use electricity, focus on simpler problems. Although, I did have a student use MIT's app builder for children to design a phone application that turns off your cellphone as you approach an intersection, so the sky is the limit as long as the student understands and can clearly explain their problem and solution. Each student is a different learner and I expect to see a wide range of projects.
Invention Convention Packets - Due February 27 Students will begin to fill in their packet as soon as this Friday, January 20th. However, the packet is intended to document their entire process and may not be completed until students have finished all other steps of the process. With guidance from me and peers, students will select one of their problems and develop at least one solution. I am not concerned with spelling or other forms of convention, just ideas and creativity. Students will need their packet for their presentations and they will also help with their presentation boards. One of the most important parts of the packet is the opportunity to make improvements. I'm encouraging students to think about using recycled materials for the construction of their invention.
Research - Due February 3 Students will begin researching their projects at school using their iPads with guidance from Mrs. Hemmelgarn, our library media specialist, and me. Students will learn about search terms and how to learn if their solution already exists. If it does, they may be able to modify and improve existing solutions and still use their problem.
Presentation Boards - Due February 27 Presentation boards are 3 panel display boards and can be purchased at United Art & Education or most office supply stores. Purchasing the optional headers is a great way to highlight the name of your young inventor's solution and they help steady the display boards. If you have financial hardship, please contact me and I will look into providing a display board for your student. We will plan these in advance to limit mistakes and keep costs down. Creativity and organization are the keys to a successful presentation board. Encourage your student to take a few photos as they go through the process of testing and building prototypes and even of their problem. These can be helpful with their presentation board.
Students use their Invention Convention packet, to design and construct their display board. The display board is intended as an aid for presenting. Please do not use poster board as it is hard for the students to talk, hold their student journals, and model their solution with their prototype.
(click to enlarge)
Write your student's and their teacher's name
on the backof their display board so it is easily visible.
Here are several display board examples. While these don't follow all of the requirements for the board above, they will give you and your student some ideas. I have shared many different examples with your student so they should be familiar with this step. Anything on their board should be securely attached so it won't fall off. Text should be large and easily visible.. Encourage your student to be creative and have fun! The more of their personality that comes through, the better!
Students can use a computer or markers. Photos of their process are also encouraged, especially if they are able to try their prototype.
We will begin them at school. Mrs. Hemmelgarn, our library media specialist, is creating a build-it zone in the library and is stocking it with great materials, funded by our generous PTO. Students will start work on their prototypes at school. Prototypes can be non-working models. They do not have to function, but will be used to help explain solutions during presentations.
Presentation Practice - February 27 and March 6 Students will practice presenting with an emphasis on presentation skills and responding to questions. I encourage you to engage your student in discussions about their problem, process and invention. Have them practice at home, especially if they are quiet or anxious. It will be loud and a bit chaotic on the morning of the Invention Convention. A little preparation will go a long way.
Invention Convention - March 10 Students will present their inventions to families in the Windermere Multi-Purpose Room/Cafeteria from 10:00 till 10:45. Families are encouraged to help us celebrate student inventions and interview students on their invention process. In the past, many families have opted to take their student (and their materials) to lunch after the presentations. This is a great way to celebrate and to make sure display boards and prototypes go home before spring break.
The most common question I receive is, "How much should parents help?" It is important to note that while we may have some inspiring outliers, these should be student directed problems and solutions. As much as we want to help them (and you can), the ideas and solutions should be theirs. You can ask questions and let them arrive at their own conclusions. The Invention Convention is all about the process, rather than the end product.
Most importantly, this project should be student led and adult supported.
This is NOT parent work. You may help your student by encouraging them to think about their invention. You can even help them assemble their boards and prototypes, but students must be able to explain their work and demonstrate understanding of every step of the process. We are not looking for robots or technologically bound solutions, but simple and achievable solutions to problems that impact many people. The real benefit of this project is the student learning. We want our future leaders to see they can identify and solve others' problems.
You can probably help most by having them plan and do a little work daily so they don't have to cram the night before their materials are due.
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