Inventors' Workshop
What do all inventors have? Creativity! Form a team to design an invention that could change the world.
1. An invention is a product of the imagination, which can be a device or a process. Using Crayola® Colored Pencils, make a list of inventions that make your life easier. Compile a class list of helpful inventions with Crayola Washable Markers.
2. Discuss with your classmates what your lives would be like without these inventions. What wouldn't you be able to do? If possible, interview someone who lived before the items were invented. With a small group, act out what your life would be like without these inventions.
3. Now make a class list of inventions that you wish were available. What tasks could be made easier? How?
4. Divide into small groups. With others in your group, choose one invention to make. Together, draw a sketch of your invention. Write a paragraph to explain the name of your invention, how it works, and its purpose.
5. Break the invention into smaller parts so each person can make part of it. Use recycled cardboard boxes, recycled foam produce trays, recycled file folders, recycled cardboard paper towel rolls, recycled plastic containers, paper cups and plates, and other craft items. Cut pieces with Crayola Scissors. Try to make some parts moveable, perhaps with rubber bands.
6. Decorate each part of your creation with Crayola Crayons, Markers, and Colored Pencils. Assemble stationary parts of your invention with Crayola School Glue. Dry.
7. Cover your art area with newspaper. Paint parts of your invention with Crayola Tempera and Paint Brushes. Dry.
8. Glue on decorative craft items such as buttons and collage materials. Dry.
9. Put all the parts together to create a whole-group invention. Act out your part of the invention. Then put all the parts together to become a "live" version of your invention. Create sounds that your section of the machine might make: Whiz! Bang! Clank!
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Recycled Cardboard Tubes—Use paper towel tubes, gift-wrap tubes, or long cardboard tubes that can be cut to any length. Health professionals caution against using recycled toilet paper tubes for arts & crafts projects because of the potential fecal contamination.
Recycled Foam Produce Trays—Wash in hot, soapy water. No meat or poultry trays should be used.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
- Design a timeline of the inventions on the class list. How many were invented in student lifetimes? Their parents'/teachers' lifetimes? Grandparents? Who were the inventors? What steps did they take on the way to their inventions?
- Write a futuristic fiction story that describes how your group's invention changed the world.
- Make a time line of famous inventions. Track a particular type of invention, such as transportation, communication, or food preparation.
- Demonstrate inventions for a family night. Interview families to find out what their favorite inventions are and why.
Almost Alive Alligator
Sparkling African Collar Necklace
Mystery Christmas Carols
