Steps to Create your invention (adapted from the miSci Invention Convention Steps)
Step 1 : Define the problem to be solved
The first step in coming up with a new invention is to think of a problem that you wish to solve. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to come up with a simple problem that can be solved by developing a new or improved object or tool.
Most new inventions are improvements on someone else’s idea. It makes something they already have work even better. It can also be an entirely new idea, one that nobody has ever thought of before. Remember that your invention doesn’t have to be a thing; it can also be a process or a better way of doing something. A good way to come up with an idea is to think of something that drives you crazy or something that you can never get quite right. For example, if you can never get a soda bottle open, then design a new bottle cap. You can also ask your parents, teachers and friends for ideas of things that they might need. Another way to think of an idea is to think of an object that you already have and to list all of the problems with it.
The first step in coming up with a new invention is to think of a problem that you wish to solve. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to come up with a simple problem that can be solved by developing a new or improved object or tool.
Most new inventions are improvements on someone else’s idea. It makes something they already have work even better. It can also be an entirely new idea, one that nobody has ever thought of before. Remember that your invention doesn’t have to be a thing; it can also be a process or a better way of doing something. A good way to come up with an idea is to think of something that drives you crazy or something that you can never get quite right. For example, if you can never get a soda bottle open, then design a new bottle cap. You can also ask your parents, teachers and friends for ideas of things that they might need. Another way to think of an idea is to think of an object that you already have and to list all of the problems with it.
Step 2: How to Solve My Problem
Once you decide on a problem, think of a way to solve that problem. If you decide that you want to develop a way to keep ice cream cones from always dripping on your hands, then you have to think of a way to catch the melted ice cream or, instead, keep the ice cream cold enough so that it won’t melt. Remember to take into account just what it is that you’re going to make your product with and try to determine if your solution will be practical. Try to be as creative as you can with your ideas. You might come up with a great new idea! Draw a sketch of your product or an outline of your process making sure that everything in your design is exactly the way that you want it.
Once you decide on a problem, think of a way to solve that problem. If you decide that you want to develop a way to keep ice cream cones from always dripping on your hands, then you have to think of a way to catch the melted ice cream or, instead, keep the ice cream cold enough so that it won’t melt. Remember to take into account just what it is that you’re going to make your product with and try to determine if your solution will be practical. Try to be as creative as you can with your ideas. You might come up with a great new idea! Draw a sketch of your product or an outline of your process making sure that everything in your design is exactly the way that you want it.
Step 3: Develop a prototype
Use what you can to develop a prototype or model of your invention. Be creative. This does not require you to spend any money unless you want to. Save milk jugs, paper towel rolls, foil, etc. to use as materials. Use items around the house that you wanted to throw away or donate anyway. Here is your chance to show us what your invention can do. You may also use a diagram here.
Step 4: Create a display board that shows the process
- Problem… How well was the problem stated?
- Solution… How well does your invention solve the problem you stated above?
- Prototype… How effective was the diagram or prototype in illustrating the idea?
This is the Rubric used by the Judges to score inventions.
Have your parents print a copy and use it to score your presentation a few days prior to the STEAM Fair.
invention_judging-criteria.pdf | |
File Size: | 70 kb |
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