INVENTION CONVENTION TIME
This project will require some homework. I have attempted to detail all important steps and deadlines.
February 15-19 (at home) Identify three common, everyday problems. This homework sheet was sent home this week. Students viewed a slide show of common problems and inventively simple solutions to get them thinking. I am looking for problems third graders can solve, not robots or time machines;) They will inevitably think of solutions 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. Each student is a different learner and I expect to see a wide range of projects.
Mrs. Leahy's students' problems are due Wednesday, February 24th.
Mr. Kerstetter's students' problems are due Thursday, February 25th.
Mr. Hudson's students' problems are due Friday, February 26th.
February 22-26 (at school and home) With guidance, students will select one of their problems and develop at least one solution. They will complete their Invention Convention packet, which walks them through all of the steps of their invention. Some students may need to finish this at home if they do not finish it at school. However, most will finish at school. The purpose of the journal is to generate ideas and organize them. I am not concerned with spelling or other forms of convention, just ideas and creativity.
February 29-March 4 (at home) Students use their Invention Convention packet, to design and construct their display board. The display board is intended as an aid for presenting. Three sided display boards are commonly available at office and teacher supply stores. 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)
Please write your student's name and their teacher name on the back of 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.
March 14-18 (at school) Students will practice presenting with an emphasis on presentation skills and responding to questions.
March 18 (at school) 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.
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.
