A: Curiosity, perseverance, empathy, creative thinking, problem solving skills, a desire to take learning risks, self discipline......and SO much more!
This week we learned about some of the greatest inventions of all time. Students were inspired by the ingenuity and determination of the inventors of the air conditioner, the disposable razor, the vacuum cleaner, and the airplane. These are true stories of what it took to pursue the problem until a solution was found. What a wonderful life-skill for our GT cuties to emulate!
We began an individualized study of inventors midweek. Students are tasked with choosing one specific inventor. Here are the project guidelines so far:
Step 1: Choose the inventor and the invention.
Select one invention and it’s inventor to focus upon. You may use the brainstorming activity we did to help you choose.
Step 2: Research.
Use your iPad to find out everything you can about the inventor. Be sure you can answer these questions:
- What is their full name?
- Where and when were they born?
- What were a few interesting facts about their childhood and/or education?
- What problem did their invention solve?
- How long did it take them to invent it?
- What interesting details can you share about the process they went through?
Find out everything you can about the invention. Be sure you can answer these questions:
- How does it work?
- What is it made of?
- How has it changed over the years?
- How has it made the world a better place for others?
Step 3: Create models.
You will make a model of the inventor AND the invention you are studying. Each model will be no larger than 1 ft. x 1 ft. x 1 ft. You should use recyclables to form the base of your models. You must add complete decorations to the recyclables. Cover them completely so that they look very similar to the real person and the real invention. Use any classroom materials you need to accomplish this goal. Check in with Ms. O when your models are complete.
Step 4: Invention Convention
Share your research and models with the class during this gathering of inventors! The exact date of the convention will be determined soon.