|
|
|
|
"Do not go where the path leads;
Rather, go where there is no path and leave a trail."
-Emerson
|
Inventions presented
by |
|
|
|
|
"Do not go where the path leads;
Rather, go where there is no path and leave a trail."
-Emerson
|
Inventions presented
by |
The volume of online resources to be considered on inventors and inventions is so large I am breaking them into two newsletters. This week I will focus on the process of inventing; next week inventors.
Simple machines are a common Science topic across the nation, and there is no better way to apply skills and concepts of simple machines than implementing a unit challenging students to apply what they've learned! In fact, whether you're approaching it from a purely science point-of-view or you'd like to incorporate math and language arts, a unit study of inventors and inventions is a great way to offer, authentic, real world, higher level application of skills and concepts students have been learning over the span of their academic careers.
Here's a digital dozen of resources designed to help you make this a show-stopper for your school year. Thanks to Jerry B. for his recommendations. Please keep those topic suggestions and recommended resources coming!
3M Invention Unit - http://mustang.coled.umn.edu/inventing/Inventing.html
A wonderful step-by-step unit helping students plan, develop and market their own original inventions with a very practical approach as they move from scout to wizard to critic and trail blazer.
Build a Bridge - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bridge/build.html
Sponsored by NOVAonline, this site requires participants to study bridge structures and determine the strengths and weaknesses of each before playing an interactive game.
Games machines Play - http://www.pbs.org/saf/1208/teaching/menu.htm
From PBS' Scientific American frontiers, includes .pdf and html teacher guides on Building a Better Mousetrap, a Car Streamlined Design and a Rube Goldberg Project. Very detailed and ready to use.
Invention Playhouse - http://inventionatplay.org/playhouse_main.html
The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation offers this virtual play lab where students can explore the connections between play and invention.
Iz and Auggie and the Invention Snatchers - http://www.headbone.com/derby/invent/main.b.html
In this online simulation students will learn the fundamentals of Internet research and discover challenging ideas about inventors and how inventions come to be.
Kids Invent - http://www.invention-engine.com/ice
Dr. Ed leads students through the process of planning, designing, building, testing and even marketing their original ideas. Separate support links for teachers and parents.
MITs Invention Dimension - http://web.mit.edu/invent/invent-main.html
This is an offbeat approach to making inventing exciting for kids through games, inventor and invention resources, inventor profiles and patent guidelines. Top quality materials!
National Geographic Inventions - http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/inventions/
National Geographic World presents this online group of "invention games" which earn you tokens; once you have five tokens you can work the Action Contraption and win a prize!
The New Way Things Work - http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/features/davidmacaulay/
Based on the classic Macaulay book, this site does an excellent job of explaining the scientific principles behind different machines and even includes a new section on digital electronics. See also http://www.howstuffworks.com/.
Ronald J. Riley's Internet Pages - http://www.rjriley.com/
Recognized by MIT's Invention Dimension, this scientist offers a unique perspective on becoming an inventor for kids - there's even a special section encouraging girls in the sciences.
U.S. Patent Office Kid's Pages - http://www.uspto.gov/go/kids/
A great site designed to inspire kids to use their imagination and invent. Lots of materials here with regards to intellectual property matters and patents too.
The Wonka Factory - http://www.wonka.com/InventionRoom/inventionroom_flash.html
Yes, the gratuitous references to the candies are here, but check out this room: Knid Knockers, Oompas Rush and the Nerds Ropes game! Invention trivia too.
Find More Great Resources at
Next Week's Topic: "Inventors"
Click here for rich text format (printer friendly) version of this issue
You can email URL's of high quality sites which may be of interest
to our readers as well as new topic ideas and input and feedback!
Subscribe innovative-teaching-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe innovative-teaching-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
This newsletter may be forwarded or copied provided the header and signature information remain intact. Show a colleague what you have found in Innovative Teaching!
©2003 Walter McKenzie
