1. INVENTION
PROJECT
Mr. Todd’s D&M
Classes

2. The Invention
 The
invention project takes the
students through the steps of the
scientific method and helps them
connect this process to a real-world
situation.
 The idea is for the students to create
simple solutions for simple problems.

3. Past Invention Examples
 One
student created a shield to put
on a cereal box.
– This helped him to avoid spilling cereal
when he sat down to eat breakfast.
 One
student created a mop that
attached to a grocery cart.
– This invention allowed the grocery cart
to clean the store while the shopper
walked through the store.

4. Interviews
 Due
Date: October 14, 2013
 Students should first answer the set of
questions for themselves.
 Then, they must choose 2 other people
to interview. These can be parents,
other family members, neighbors, etc.
 The interviews should help the students
think of possible invention ideas.

5. Name of Invention
 The
students should come up with a
catchy name that also tells what the
invention does.
– The “Meckster 3000” might be a catchy
name, but it doesn’t give you a good
idea about what my product can do.
 Due
Date: 10/18/2013

6. Purpose
 Due
Date: 10/16/2013
 This section answers 2 questions:
– 1.) What problem are you trying to
solve? This should be written in the
form of a question. (Ex. How can the
inventor stop the cereal from pouring all
over the table?)
– 2.) Why is your problem something that
needs a solution?

7. Hypothesis
Due Date: 10/21/2013
 What is your invention idea, and how will it
solve the problem.
 This must be written using the proper “if then” format.

– Ex. If the inventor builds a shield, then the
cereal will pour into the bowl without spilling
on the table.

Also, write about why you think your
invention will work.

8. Materials
 Due
Date: 10/24/2013
 Create a list of all of the materials
you think you will use to create your
project. Be as specific as possible.
 If you think you need buttons, state
how big they need to be and how
many you will use.

9. Procedure
 Due
Date: 10/29/13
 State step-by-step how you will build
your invention.
 Be as specific and detailed as
possible.
 Do not use first person.
– Say “The inventor” instead of “I.”

10. Sketch
 Due
Date: 10/31/13
 This should be a sketch of what you
think your invention will look like.
Must include a scale measure (e.g. 1
cm: 2 inches)
 It should be drawn neatly and should
have some color.

11. Model
 Due
Date:
– Please do not bring this to school until
the final due date.
 You
should create a small working
model of your invention.
 Please see Mr. Todd early on in the
project if you need help getting
supplies.

12. Data
 Due
Date: 11/5/13
 Discuss the invention process.
– How many times did you have to
change or tweak things in order for
your invention to work?
– How much would it cost if you sold
it in the store?
 This section must also include a
chart/graph or pictures of your
invention.

13. Conclusion
 Due
Date: 11/7/13
 This section should be a reflection
on the invention process.
 What did you learn about inventing?
 How would you change things if you
had to do it over again?

14. Invention AD
 You
will be creating an Advertisement
by video, audio, or digital poster during
the days of Nov 12-15.
 Must advertise
– What your invention is:
– How it solves the problem:
– Demonstrates its use.
 Use
your creativity to create the ad.

15. Final Details
 The
invention final due date will
be 11/18/2013.
– The students must have their invention
Advertisement, and model ready to
hand in on that day during class.
– All previous project work will be
TURNED IN at this time!

16. Sample Interview Questions
 “Are
there any problems that you
think we can solve with an
invention?”
 “Have you ever thought about an
invention you would want to make?
What problem did it solve?”
 Do you have a simple problem that
we could solve with a simple
invention?”

17. Project Tips
Get a folder or small notebook to keep all
your work in. Remember you will have to
turn in ALL your work at ONE time.
 Make sure you are aware of due dates. I
have tried to schedule due dates roughly
three or four days apart from each other.
 Keep track of your work by dating and
naming EVERYTHING! Nothing is worse
than losing part of a project! If your name
is on it you have a better chance of getting
it back!
