Thinking Like an Engineer

Innovations and Inventions

Vocabulary Review

From your notebook and our last lesson, can you define:

Invention, Inventor, Engineer and Engineering?

Definitions

Inventor: A person who invented a particular process or device or who invents things as an occupation.Invent: Create or design something that has not existed.

Engineer- A person who uses science and math to help us understand the world and to apply what they know to improve things and solve problems.

Engineering- The application of science and math by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people.

Brainstorm Review!

What are some of the same things an inventor and engineer

do?

Inventors and Engineers do very much of the same things!

• Identify the problem• Research the problem• Develop solutions• Select best solutions• Construct a prototype• Test and evaluate the solution• Redesign to improve original design

Remember, YES, IT IS TRUE!

Each one of you has an Engineer and Inventor in

YOU

ARE YOU READY TO HAND IN HOMEWORK?

Make sure your paper has your first and last name, Teacher or School Name and Grade

Level on it. Hand in parent quizzes and your new Mousetrap if you have completed this

activity before the end of class!

Were there any surprises on the Parent Trivia?Did you finish your Top 10 with your group?

SCAMPERSCAMPER is an ACRONYM . “An acronym is a word formed from

the initial letters of a name or combining initial letters of parts or series of words.”

A/T is an acronym for Academically TalentedAG is an acronym for Avant GardeMEAP is an acronym for Michigan Education Assessment Program

What do you think SCAMPER may stand for in this unit?

Check your handout and find out!

The Invention Bag!

Each group will receive one or two items from the Invention Bag. It will be your job as a group to solve the task. I will divide you into small groups and I will need volunteers to assist in handing out paper and markers.

Here is your task! You must brainstorm creative ways to use your item(s) from the “invention bag” and to record your ideas on paper. You should choose one writer and one presenter from your group. (10 minutes total to think creatively, write and present!)

CHECK OUT MY EXAMPLE!

THE EGG CARTON

An average egg carton holds a dozen (12) eggs. It is a great invention that keeps the eggs separated and supported to avoid cracking during transport. At the same time, engineers decided that Styrofoam would be more economical and changed the carton. Now, due to ecology, trash dumping sites and recycling, they have now decided that sturdy tag board, cardboard and possibly another material will some day replace Styrofoam egg cartons.

Imagine, An egg carton could also be a………• planter for growing seedlings• an organizer to arrange watercolor paints• a cash drawer to organize your spare change• a sorter for screws and bolts•a living unit for a futuristic model space colony• a funky ice cube tray•a sand castle mold•a base for a dried flower arrangement

NORMS FOR PRESENTING

• Open Eyes: Look at the speaker and group while presenting.

• Open Ears: Actively listen to the speaker and the presentation.

• Open Heart: Be empathetic. It is not always easy to present in front of a group. Put yourself in their shoes.

Glossaries and Flashcards

The A/T Department has provided you with a glossary and your first set of flashcards.

You have the choice to create your own flashcards using index cards or you may choose the flashcard maker website that has been provided on your handout.

This is a great way to begin studying early…..and not to wait until the last minute. Take the task and plan to spend time each week on flashcards and learning your vocabulary to avoid frustration or feeling like you are behind.

TASK: Begin to create your flashcards so you are not procrastinating when you are also creating your invention or engineering project and writing your speech.

Interactive Links and Websites

The A/T staff is providing you with a comprehensive list of interactive websites to allow you to narrow your choice of an invention or engineering project.

Here is just one example:http://tryengineering.org/play.phpPlay games such as Design a Parachute, Solar

Car Racing, Bridge Designer and Goldburger to Go!

REMEMBER

• Inventiveness and improving an invention requires creative thought and developing creativity to its fullest. Think about one who is exercising to get in shape or running to train for a race or the 5K for Girls on the Run. Thinking exercises can turn a creative person into a HIGHLY creative person OR they can shift a person’s creative focus from one field to another!

HOMEWORK

Now, drum roll, please. Your homework is:

Complete at least 10 more flashcards; complete Think Links Activity, continue to collect household items for your invention or engineering project and explore the various interactive websites to meet engineers and look at how much is

out there! You are great! Take time to explore the interactive websites!