Eureka I've got it!
Creativity.
Either you have it or you don't.
Inventors work alone.
They don't need school.
Stop right there.
These are the most common myths about inventors and inventing.
And they couldn't be further from the truth.
I'm Reggie and I'm the director of operations at the Dorchester YMCA and a Design Squad
Global Club Leader.
And I'm CJ.
I'm a middle school science teacher and passionate about student-led learning.
Everyone has the ability to invent.
Inventions almost NEVER come from Eureka-moments.
Most inventions require learning from failure.
Most inventors work as a part of a team and draw on years of knowledge, training, and
school.
And, you, as an educator, have what it takes to help kids develop an invention mindset!
What is invention?
It's a creative process of producing something useful that didn't exist before.
Like a wheelchair that turns into a walker.
Or a bowl that won't spill.
Inventions can also be new ideas or new ways of doing things.
Like a new way to store your stuff in your locker or a bicycle trailer that can carry
your groceries.
But what does the process of inventing look like?
And how can you teach it to kids?
Identify the problem.
The first step is to identify what your invention will improve.
Get kids to think about how to make something faster, stronger, easier, safer, more efficient,
and more fun!
Like spreading butter on toast or powering a blender with a bike.
Identify the user.
It's critical to think about who you're inventing for.
Someone who is differently abled.
A senior.
An athlete.
Or a baby.
Brainstorm!
This is a crucial step.
Have kids brainstorm and let their imagination run free and generate tons of ideas.
No matter how crazy they are.
Give kids the tools they need.
Introduce science and engineering concepts that'll help kids invent.
Like the potential energy of hundreds of rubber bands or buoyancy when designing a boat.
Give kids hands on experiences with materials like the best way to use tape and techniques
like building with triangles.
That will make their sketches come to life.
Fail fast, succeed sooner.
Failure is not a bad thing.
Inventors embrace failure.
Encourage kids to quickly build a prototype, test it, and then use what they learned from
failure to redesign their inventions.
Stick with it.
The process can be frustrating.
Inventors learn how to deal with frustration and then move past it.
Encourage kids to be persistant, motivated, and dedicated.
Break it down.
To solve a big problem you first need to solve many smaller problems.
Have kids practice breaking down problems so they are easier to solve and encourage
them to explore multiple paths.
Embrace nonconformity.
Young inventors are sometimes trapped by what they think they know.
Have kids question their own assumptions.
Why do we do it like that?
Is their a better or different way?
Can we think of something new?
Accept uncertainty.
Invention is exploring uncharted territory.
Prompt kids to ask questions even if their is no clear answer.
Be purposeful and flexible.
Promote a goal driven approach.
But also let kids know they should be willing to change course and adjust their plans when
needed.
What do you think of when you hear the word "invention"?
I think that with knowledge, persistence, and a willingness to fail, my students and
I can create some amazing ones!
To inspire your kids to invent- Check out the activities on the Design Squad website
at pbskids.org/design squad.