Time/Duration: Examples of how it has been taught: two semester high school capstone meeting every day, 12-week elective, one semester high school science school. Expectations must be aligned with the timeframe. Student output will be very different in 12-week course vs full year capstone.
Learning Outcomes
Engage in discussions around inventors, inventions, and inventor mindsets and skills
Design a prototype of a solution to a problem
Identify the essential tools and mindsets of successful inventors
Explain human-centered design and importance of empathy
Document the design process in a design journal
Describe the "Who": Users, Beneficiaries, Stakeholders
Find the problem: Observe, interview, synthesize, refine, iterate
Create a problem pitch & gallery walk
Conduct thorough background research and explore prior art through patent searches
Document evolving ideas through sketches and technical drawings
Structure your invention teams by defining roles and responsibilities
Create timelines to meet key milestones like the Team Feedback Presentations, Mid-Year Technical Review, and Final Showcase
Develop effective communication strategies and create accountability system to keep invention project on track
Subject areas/Standards:
Click here to view the standards for Inventing Smart Solutions.
Competencies & Skills by Unit
Click here to view the Competencies & Skills Document
Breakdown of lessons:
Unit 1: Welcome to Your Invention Journey
Unit 2: Tools of an Inventor
Unit 3: Finding and Defining a Great Problem
Unit 4: From Problem Statement to Invention Statement
Unit 5: Organizing for Success
Unit 6: The “Build”
Appendix
Materials:
Will vary from project to project.
To start: computers/tablets with internet access, Access to Teams or Zoom, cardboard, cardboard cutters, other recyclable items,
Eventually students will likely need access to 3-D printers, laser cutters among other tools found in labs or shops.
