Big Hero 6: Invent to Improve Daily Life
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and prototype an invention using coding and readily available materials to solve a common daily problem and improve people's lives?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can technology improve daily life?
- What problems do people face that can be solved with an invention?
- How can a prototype help in the invention process?
- What materials are best for building a prototype?
- How can coding be integrated to automate the invention?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to design a prototype of an invention using readily available materials.
- Students will be able to test and refine their invention based on feedback.
- Students will be able to improve their problem-solving skills.
- Students will be able to manage their time effectively to complete the project within the given timeframe.
- Students will be able to document their invention process, including the problem, design, build, and coding aspects.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students60-Second Invention Pitch
Students participate in a rapid-fire 'invention pitch' competition. Each student (or small group) has 60 seconds to present a problem they face daily and a potential invention to solve it. The class votes on the most compelling ideas, fostering quick thinking and communication skills.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Invention Idea Spark
Students will brainstorm multiple invention ideas to solve a common daily problem. They will then choose one idea to develop further.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written description of their chosen invention idea with a written description of its function and how it solves the identified problem.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to design a prototype of an invention using readily available materials.Blueprint Bonanza
Students will create a detailed design plan for their chosen invention, including materials needed, dimensions, and how it will be constructed. They will begin a project journal to document their progress.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive design plan with a materials list, dimensions, and construction steps, along with the first entry in their project journal detailing the problem, their initial idea, and the design plan.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to design a prototype of an invention using readily available materials. Learning Goal: Students will be able to document their invention process, including the problem, design, build, and coding aspects.Prototype Power-Up
Students will build a basic prototype of their invention using the materials outlined in their design plan. They will test the prototype and gather feedback from peers.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA functional prototype of their invention, along with a record of testing and feedback received in their project journal.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to test and refine their invention based on feedback. Learning Goal: Students will be able to document their invention process, including the problem, design, build, and coding aspects.Refinement Rumble
Students will refine their prototype based on the feedback received, making improvements to its design and functionality. If applicable, students will integrate coding elements to automate or enhance their invention.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA refined prototype with documented improvements based on feedback, including any integrated code, along with updated entries in their project journal detailing the refinement process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to test and refine their invention based on feedback. Learning Goal: Students will be able to improve their problem-solving skills. Learning Goal: Students will be able to document their invention process, including the problem, design, build, and coding aspects.Invention Showcase Spectacular
Students will create a presentation showcasing their invention, including the problem it solves, the design process, the prototype, and any coding involved. They will present their invention to the class.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (slides, video, or live demo) showcasing their invention, along with a final project journal documenting the entire invention process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to manage their time effectively to complete the project within the given timeframe. Learning Goal: Students will be able to document their invention process, including the problem, design, build, and coding aspects.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioInvention Project Rubric
Invention Idea
Assesses the student's ability to identify a problem and propose a feasible invention idea with a clear description.Problem Identification and Invention Idea
The clarity and feasibility of the identified problem and proposed invention.
Beginning
1 PointsThe problem is vaguely defined, and the invention idea is impractical and lacks a clear purpose.
Developing
2 PointsThe problem is identified, but the invention idea is not fully developed or clearly linked to solving the problem.
Proficient
3 PointsThe problem is clearly defined, and the invention idea is practical and addresses the problem effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe problem is clearly and insightfully defined, and the invention idea is innovative, practical, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the problem's context.
Description Clarity and Detail
The depth and clarity of the written description, including the function of the invention and how it solves the identified problem.
Beginning
1 PointsThe description is incomplete, unclear, and lacks detail about the invention's function and how it solves the problem.
Developing
2 PointsThe description is basic, with some details about the invention's function and its connection to the problem, but lacks depth.
Proficient
3 PointsThe description is clear and provides sufficient detail about the invention's function and how it effectively solves the identified problem.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe description is exceptionally clear, thorough, and insightful, providing a comprehensive understanding of the invention's function, its problem-solving capabilities, and its potential impact.
Blueprint Design
Evaluates the student's ability to create a detailed design plan with accurate materials, dimensions, and clear construction steps, documented in a project journal.Design Detail and Accuracy
Completeness and accuracy of the materials list, including specific dimensions and measurements in the design diagram.
Beginning
1 PointsThe materials list is incomplete or inaccurate, and the design diagram lacks specific dimensions and measurements.
Developing
2 PointsThe materials list is mostly complete, but some dimensions and measurements are missing from the design diagram.
Proficient
3 PointsThe materials list is complete and accurate, and the design diagram includes specific dimensions and measurements.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe materials list is exceptionally detailed and accurate, and the design diagram includes precise dimensions, measurements, and annotations that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the invention's construction.
Planning and Documentation
Clarity and organization of the step-by-step construction guide and initial project journal entry.
Beginning
1 PointsThe construction guide is unclear and disorganized, and the project journal entry is missing or incomplete.
Developing
2 PointsThe construction guide is somewhat clear, but lacks organization, and the project journal entry is basic and lacks detail.
Proficient
3 PointsThe construction guide is clear, organized, and provides a step-by-step plan for constructing the prototype, and the project journal entry details the problem, initial idea, and design plan.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe construction guide is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and provides a comprehensive and detailed plan for constructing the prototype, and the project journal entry is insightful, reflective, and provides a deep understanding of the problem, initial idea, and design plan.
Prototype Development and Testing
Focuses on the student's ability to build a functional prototype, test it effectively, gather feedback from peers, and document the process in their project journal.Prototype Functionality and Testing
Functionality of the prototype and the student's ability to test and gather feedback.
Beginning
1 PointsThe prototype is non-functional, and the student did not attempt to test it or gather feedback.
Developing
2 PointsThe prototype is partially functional, but the testing process is incomplete, and limited feedback was gathered.
Proficient
3 PointsThe prototype is functional and the student conducted thorough testing and gathered relevant feedback from peers.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe prototype is highly functional, demonstrating innovative design and effective problem-solving, and the student conducted comprehensive testing, gathered insightful feedback, and critically analyzed the results to inform further improvements.
Documentation of Testing and Feedback
Completeness and clarity of the documentation of the testing process and feedback received in the project journal.
Beginning
1 PointsThe testing process and feedback are poorly documented or missing from the project journal.
Developing
2 PointsThe testing process and feedback are partially documented, but lack clarity and detail in the project journal.
Proficient
3 PointsThe testing process and feedback are clearly and completely documented in the project journal.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe testing process and feedback are exceptionally well-documented in the project journal, including detailed observations, insightful reflections, and a clear analysis of the feedback's impact on the invention's development.
Prototype Refinement and Coding
Assesses the student's ability to refine their prototype based on feedback, integrate coding elements (if applicable), and document the changes in their project journal.Prototype Refinement
Extent and quality of improvements made to the prototype based on feedback and observations.
Beginning
1 PointsNo improvements were made to the prototype, or the changes are minimal and do not address the feedback received.
Developing
2 PointsSome improvements were made, but they do not fully address the feedback or significantly enhance the prototype's functionality.
Proficient
3 PointsSignificant improvements were made to the prototype based on the feedback and observations, enhancing its functionality and usability.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe prototype was significantly enhanced through thoughtful and innovative improvements based on a deep understanding of the feedback and observations, resulting in a highly functional and user-friendly invention.
Coding Integration and Documentation
Integration of coding elements (if applicable) and the clarity of documentation in the project journal.
Beginning
1 PointsNo coding elements were integrated (if applicable), or the documentation is missing or incomplete.
Developing
2 PointsCoding elements were partially integrated (if applicable), but the documentation lacks clarity and detail.
Proficient
3 PointsCoding elements were successfully integrated (if applicable) to enhance the invention's functionality, and the documentation is clear and complete.
Exemplary
4 PointsCoding elements were seamlessly integrated (if applicable) to create innovative and advanced functionality, and the documentation is exceptionally clear, detailed, and reflective of the coding process and its impact on the invention.
Invention Presentation and Reflection
Evaluates the student's ability to create and deliver a compelling presentation showcasing their invention, along with a reflective final project journal entry.Presentation Quality and Engagement
Clarity, organization, and engagement of the presentation, including the demonstration of the prototype.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is unclear, disorganized, and lacks engagement, with a poor demonstration of the prototype.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat clear, but lacks organization and engagement, and the prototype demonstration is basic.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear, organized, and engaging, with a successful demonstration of the prototype.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and professionally delivered, with a compelling demonstration of the prototype that showcases its functionality and potential impact.
Project Journal Reflection
Completeness and reflection in the final project journal entry, summarizing the invention process, lessons learned, challenges faced, and future improvements.
Beginning
1 PointsThe final project journal entry is missing or incomplete, lacking reflection on the invention process.
Developing
2 PointsThe final project journal entry is basic and lacks depth, with limited reflection on the invention process, lessons learned, and challenges faced.
Proficient
3 PointsThe final project journal entry summarizes the invention process, including lessons learned, challenges faced, and potential future improvements.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe final project journal entry provides a comprehensive and insightful reflection on the entire invention process, including a deep analysis of lessons learned, challenges faced, future improvements, and the overall impact of the project on the student's learning and development.