Inventor's Challenge

Inventor's Challenge packages elements of different Thinkfinity resources into a single, multifaceted afterschool or classroom project.

Objectives

Research specific examples of how technology has enhanced human abilities.
Invent and build a model of a technology tool.
Use market research strategies to develop advertisements and a slogan.

Overview

What do Barbie doll legs have to do with advances in prosthetic limbs? What's the next big technological breakthrough that everyone will be talking about?

Step 1: Getting Started

Share the lyrics to the song “Dakota Land” with the group. As a group, discuss how people used technology to adapt to the physical environment of the Great Plains.

View resource: The Great Plains: A Harsh Welcome to Settlers by Xpeditions

Step 2: Find Out More

Ask the group to research and reflect on technologies that extend human abilities, using the Internet, books, articles and interviews for information.

View resource: Extending Human Ability through Technology by Science NetLinks

Step 3: Piece It Together

Guided by this Science NetLinks lesson plan, challenge the program participants to construct a model of a technology that helps people overcome limitations. They can use whatever materials are at hand, such as basic craft supplies or Lego bricks, or they can just draw a picture of their invention.

View resource: Extending Human Ability through Technology by Science NetLinks

Step 4: Share What’s Learned

To extend the learning experience, ask each group of young people to come up with a marketing plan, including an ad campaign, for their new invention.

View resource: What's Your Angle? by EconEdLink

Focus on: Activities 1-4

Age: Middle school
Themes: Engineering, inventing, marketing
Duration: 2-4 weeks

Materials Needed

Computer with Internet access
Paper, markers, crayons, etc.
Optional: building materials such as construction paper, cardboard, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, interlocking foam pieces, Lego bricks, etc.

Standards

National Geography Standards

Standard 15: How physical systems affect human systems

Benchmarks for Science Literacy

Benchmark 6A #5: Human beings use technology to match or excel many of the abilities of other species

Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics

Standard 9: Role of competition
Standard 14: Profit and the entrepreneur