
Invention Convention: Patent Power - Invent, Patent, Pitch!
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as young inventors, navigate the patent process to protect our innovative solutions and persuade investors to support our ideas for a better future?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What problem does my invention solve?
- How is my invention different from existing solutions?
- What are the steps to patent my invention?
- How can I convince investors that my invention is worth funding?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the importance of patents in protecting inventions.
- Learn the steps involved in the patent application process.
- Develop skills in problem-solving and innovation through invention.
- Improve presentation and persuasion skills for pitching inventions to investors.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsInvention Graveyard Analysis
**'Invention Graveyard' Analysis:** Showcase examples of failed or obsolete inventions (real or fabricated). Students analyze why these inventions didn't succeed, prompting reflection on the qualities of successful and patent-worthy ideas. Connects to project goals by highlighting the importance of innovation, practicality, and market need in the invention process.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Patent Power: Case Studies
Students will research and present real-world examples of how patents have protected inventors' rights and spurred innovation.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 short presentation (slides or oral) showcasing examples of successful patent protection and its impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Understand the importance of patents in protecting inventions.Patent Process Navigator
Students will create a detailed flowchart outlining the steps required to apply for a patent, from initial idea to final approval.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 flowchart detailing each step of the patent application process, including relevant documentation and requirements.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers the learning goal: Learn the steps involved in the patent application process.Invention Idea Forge
Students will brainstorm and develop a unique invention idea, focusing on a problem they identify in their daily lives or community.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 detailed invention proposal including a problem statement, proposed solution, sketches, and a preliminary market analysis.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports the learning goal: Develop skills in problem-solving and innovation through invention.Pitch Perfect: Investor's Delight
Students will create a pitch deck and practice delivering a persuasive presentation to mock investors, highlighting the value and potential 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 compelling pitch deck (PowerPoint or similar) and a recording of their presentation to mock investors, incorporating feedback for improvement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCorrelates with the learning goal: Improve presentation and persuasion skills for pitching inventions to investors.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioInvention Convention Portfolio Rubric
Patent Power: Case Studies
Assessment of student's ability to research, understand, and present on the importance of patents using real-world case studies.Understanding of Patent Protection
The clarity and depth of understanding regarding the role of patents in protecting inventions, as demonstrated through chosen case studies.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of patent protection through insightful case study analysis, identifying subtle nuances and complex impacts.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of patent protection through clear case study analysis, accurately explaining the benefits and implications.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of patent protection through basic case study analysis, identifying some benefits but lacking depth.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a limited understanding of patent protection with a superficial case study analysis, struggling to identify key benefits.
Presentation Quality
The quality and persuasiveness of the presentation, considering both content and delivery.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents an exceptionally clear, engaging, and persuasive analysis with compelling visuals and confident delivery, captivating the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and persuasive analysis with effective visuals and confident delivery, maintaining audience engagement.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a somewhat unclear analysis with basic visuals and hesitant delivery, struggling to maintain audience engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents an unclear analysis with poor visuals and disjointed delivery, failing to engage the audience.
Patent Process Navigator
Evaluation of student's ability to understand and illustrate the patent application process through a detailed flowchart.Accuracy of Patent Process Mapping
The level of detail and accuracy in mapping out the patent application process.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates an exceptionally detailed and accurate flowchart that includes all steps, nuances, and potential challenges of the patent application process, demonstrating expert understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a detailed and accurate flowchart that includes all major steps of the patent application process, demonstrating thorough understanding.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a flowchart that includes some steps of the patent application process but lacks detail or accuracy, indicating an emerging understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates an incomplete or inaccurate flowchart that misses key steps of the patent application process, showing a limited understanding.
Clarity and Organization
The clarity and comprehensibility of the flowchart, including annotations and visual organization.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe flowchart is exceptionally clear, visually appealing, and easy to follow, with insightful annotations that enhance understanding of each step.
Proficient
3 PointsThe flowchart is clear, well-organized, and easy to follow, with annotations that explain each step effectively.
Developing
2 PointsThe flowchart is somewhat unclear or disorganized, with annotations that provide limited explanation of each step.
Beginning
1 PointsThe flowchart is unclear, disorganized, and difficult to follow, with missing or confusing annotations.
Invention Idea Forge
Assessment of student's ability to develop an original invention idea and create a detailed proposal.Innovation and Feasibility
The originality and feasibility of the proposed invention idea in addressing an identified problem.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes an exceptionally innovative and feasible invention idea that addresses a significant problem with a highly original solution.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes a creative and feasible invention idea that addresses a relevant problem with a practical solution.
Developing
2 PointsProposes an invention idea that addresses a problem but lacks originality or feasibility in its proposed solution.
Beginning
1 PointsProposes an invention idea that is unoriginal, infeasible, or does not clearly address an identified problem.
Proposal Clarity and Detail
The level of detail and clarity in the invention proposal, including the problem statement, proposed solution, and preliminary market analysis.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents an exceptionally detailed and clear invention proposal with a well-defined problem statement, comprehensive solution, and insightful market analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a detailed and clear invention proposal with a defined problem statement, practical solution, and relevant market analysis.
Developing
2 PointsPresents an invention proposal that lacks detail or clarity in the problem statement, proposed solution, or market analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents an incomplete or unclear invention proposal with a vague problem statement, undefined solution, and missing market analysis.
Pitch Perfect: Investor's Delight
Evaluation of student's ability to create a persuasive pitch and deliver an engaging presentation to potential investors.Pitch Deck Persuasiveness
The persuasiveness and clarity of the pitch deck in conveying the value and potential of the invention to investors.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates an exceptionally persuasive and clear pitch deck that compellingly conveys the invention's value and potential to investors through a seamless narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a persuasive and clear pitch deck that effectively conveys the invention's value and potential to investors.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a pitch deck that is somewhat persuasive but lacks clarity or detail in conveying the invention's value and potential.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates a pitch deck that is unpersuasive, unclear, or fails to convey the invention's value and potential to investors.
Presentation Delivery
The quality of the presentation delivery, including clarity, confidence, and engagement with the audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers an exceptionally clear, confident, and engaging presentation that captivates the audience and effectively communicates the invention's value.
Proficient
3 PointsDelivers a clear, confident, and engaging presentation that effectively communicates the invention's value.
Developing
2 PointsDelivers a presentation that is somewhat unclear or hesitant, struggling to engage the audience or effectively communicate the invention's value.
Beginning
1 PointsDelivers a presentation that is unclear, unconfident, and fails to engage the audience or effectively communicate the invention's value.