Invention Convention: Design a Solution to a Daily Problem
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use computational thinking to create innovative solutions to everyday problems by developing functional prototypes?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can computational thinking concepts (e.g., decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithms) inform the design process?
- In what ways can we apply design principles to create user-friendly and effective inventions?
- What are the ethical considerations involved in creating and distributing new technologies?
- How can we optimize our designs for resource efficiency and environmental sustainability?
- How can we test and refine our prototypes using data and feedback to improve their functionality and user experience?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Apply the engineering design process to develop a functional prototype.
- Create and manage a detailed project plan, including timelines and resource allocation.
- Communicate design ideas and project outcomes effectively through presentations and demonstrations.
- Identify a real-world problem and design a solution using appropriate materials and tools.
- Use tools safely and effectively to create a functional prototype.
- Reflect on the design process and identify areas for improvement in future projects.
- Test and refine the prototype based on user feedback and performance data.
- Iterate on the design of an invention based on testing and feedback
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Problem Wall Collaboration
Students create a 'problem wall' in the classroom, where they post sticky notes detailing everyday challenges they or others face. The class then collaborates to group the problems and identify common themes, providing a foundation for choosing invention topics.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 learn the basics of the engineering design process and brainstorm potential solutions to the problems identified in the 'Problem Wall Collaboration' activity.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 list of potential invention ideas with a brief description of how each could solve a specific problem.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Apply the engineering design process to develop a functional prototype.Blueprint Bonanza
Students will select one invention idea and create a detailed project plan outlining the steps needed to build a prototype, including a timeline, a list of necessary resources, and a sketch of 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 project plan document that includes a timeline, a list of required materials and tools, a step-by-step guide to building the prototype, and a detailed sketch of the invention.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Create and manage a detailed project plan, including timelines and resource allocation.Prototype Power-Up
Students will construct a basic prototype of their invention, focusing on functionality and safety.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 safety checklist documenting the safe use of tools and materials.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Use tools safely and effectively to create a functional prototype.Testing Triumph
Students will test their prototype, gather feedback, and make necessary improvements to their design.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 revised prototype with documented improvements based on testing and feedback, along with a reflection on the design process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Test and refine the prototype based on user feedback and performance data; Iterate on the design of an invention based on testing and feedback.Invention Illumination
Students will prepare a presentation and demonstration to showcase their invention to an audience.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 that includes a demonstration of the invention, an explanation of its functionality, and a discussion of the design process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Communicate design ideas and project outcomes effectively through presentations and demonstrations.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioInvention Project Rubric
Problem Solving and Ideation
Focuses on the student's ability to identify a problem and propose potential solutions.Problem Identification and Solution Generation
Demonstrates the ability to identify a real-world problem and generate multiple potential solutions.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student identifies a significant real-world problem and generates multiple innovative and feasible solutions, demonstrating deep understanding of the problem's context and potential impact.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student identifies a real-world problem and generates several viable solutions, showing a good understanding of the problem and potential solutions.
Developing
2 PointsThe student identifies a real-world problem but struggles to generate multiple solutions, showing a basic understanding of the problem.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student has difficulty identifying a real-world problem or generating potential solutions, showing limited understanding of the task.
Solution Description and Material
Describes each solution in detail, including its functionality and necessary materials.
Exemplary
4 PointsDescriptions are comprehensive, clearly explaining the functionality of each solution and providing a detailed list of necessary materials with justifications.
Proficient
3 PointsDescriptions are clear and explain the functionality of each solution, providing a list of necessary materials.
Developing
2 PointsDescriptions are somewhat vague or incomplete, lacking detail about the functionality of each solution or the necessary materials.
Beginning
1 PointsDescriptions are minimal and do not adequately explain the functionality of each solution or the necessary materials.
Project Planning and Organization
Focuses on the student's ability to plan and organize the development of their invention.Project Planning
Creates a well-organized and detailed project plan with clear steps, realistic timelines, and resource allocation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe project plan is exceptionally well-organized, detailed, and includes clear, achievable steps, realistic timelines, and efficient resource allocation, demonstrating outstanding planning skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe project plan is well-organized, detailed, and includes clear steps, realistic timelines, and effective resource allocation.
Developing
2 PointsThe project plan is somewhat organized but lacks detail, clarity, or realistic timelines and resource allocation.
Beginning
1 PointsThe project plan is disorganized, lacks detail, and does not include clear steps, realistic timelines, or resource allocation.
Resource Management
Includes a comprehensive list of required materials and tools with estimated costs.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe list of materials and tools is exceptionally comprehensive, including detailed specifications and accurate cost estimates, demonstrating thorough research and attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsThe list of materials and tools is comprehensive and includes estimated costs.
Developing
2 PointsThe list of materials and tools is incomplete or lacks estimated costs.
Beginning
1 PointsThe list of materials and tools is minimal and does not include estimated costs.
Visual Representation
Provides a detailed sketch of the invention with dimensions and key components clearly labeled.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe sketch is exceptionally detailed, accurate, and clearly labeled, providing a comprehensive visual representation of the invention.
Proficient
3 PointsThe sketch is detailed and clearly labeled, providing a good visual representation of the invention.
Developing
2 PointsThe sketch lacks detail or clear labels, providing a basic visual representation of the invention.
Beginning
1 PointsThe sketch is minimal and does not provide an adequate visual representation of the invention.
Prototype Construction and Safety
Focuses on the student's ability to create a prototype and follow safety procedures.Prototype Functionality
Constructs a functional prototype of their invention, demonstrating an understanding of its design.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe prototype is expertly constructed, fully functional, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the invention's design and purpose.
Proficient
3 PointsThe prototype is functional and demonstrates a good understanding of the invention's design.
Developing
2 PointsThe prototype is partially functional or demonstrates a basic understanding of the invention's design.
Beginning
1 PointsThe prototype is non-functional or demonstrates limited understanding of the invention's design.
Safety and Documentation
Documents the tools used and safety precautions taken during the building process in a safety checklist.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe safety checklist is comprehensive, meticulously documenting all tools used and safety precautions taken, demonstrating exemplary safety awareness and responsibility.
Proficient
3 PointsThe safety checklist documents all tools used and safety precautions taken.
Developing
2 PointsThe safety checklist is incomplete or lacks detail regarding the tools used or safety precautions taken.
Beginning
1 PointsThe safety checklist is minimal and does not adequately document the tools used or safety precautions taken.
Testing, Refinement, and Reflection
Focuses on the student's ability to test, refine, and reflect on their design.Feedback Collection
Tests the prototype with potential users and gathers detailed feedback on its functionality and usability.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student gathers extensive and insightful feedback from a diverse group of users, demonstrating exceptional skill in gathering and analyzing user data.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student gathers feedback from potential users on the prototype's functionality and usability.
Developing
2 PointsThe student gathers limited feedback from potential users or focuses primarily on functionality.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student does not gather adequate feedback from potential users.
Analysis and Improvement
Analyzes the feedback, identifies areas for improvement, and modifies the prototype accordingly.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student demonstrates exceptional analytical skills, identifying key areas for improvement and implementing effective modifications to the prototype based on user feedback.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student analyzes the feedback, identifies areas for improvement, and modifies the prototype accordingly.
Developing
2 PointsThe student struggles to analyze the feedback effectively or make appropriate modifications to the prototype.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student does not adequately analyze the feedback or modify the prototype.
Reflection and Learning
Writes a thorough reflection on the design process, including what was learned and what could be improved in future projects.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe reflection is insightful, comprehensive, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the design process and areas for future improvement, showing exceptional metacognitive abilities.
Proficient
3 PointsThe reflection is thorough and includes what was learned and what could be improved in future projects.
Developing
2 PointsThe reflection is superficial or lacks detail regarding what was learned or what could be improved.
Beginning
1 PointsThe reflection is minimal and does not adequately address what was learned or what could be improved.
Communication and Presentation
Focuses on the student's ability to communicate their design effectively.Presentation Clarity and Engagement
Creates a clear and engaging presentation that explains the problem, design process, and prototype functionality.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and informative, demonstrating outstanding communication skills and a deep understanding of the invention.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear and engaging, explaining the problem, design process, and prototype functionality.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat unclear or unengaging, lacking detail or clarity in explaining the problem, design process, or prototype functionality.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is unclear and unengaging, failing to adequately explain the problem, design process, or prototype functionality.
Demonstration Effectiveness
Delivers a smooth and effective demonstration of the invention in action.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe demonstration is flawlessly executed, effectively showcasing the invention's functionality and demonstrating exceptional skill in presenting technical information.
Proficient
3 PointsThe demonstration is smooth and effectively showcases the invention in action.
Developing
2 PointsThe demonstration is somewhat awkward or ineffective, lacking clarity or failing to adequately showcase the invention.
Beginning
1 PointsThe demonstration is poorly executed and does not adequately showcase the invention.
Question Response
Answers questions from the audience thoughtfully and accurately.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student answers questions with exceptional thoughtfulness, accuracy, and clarity, demonstrating a deep understanding of the invention and its context.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student answers questions thoughtfully and accurately.
Developing
2 PointsThe student struggles to answer questions thoughtfully or accurately.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student is unable to answer questions adequately.