invention

convention

BY LANEY LEE

 table of contents
SECTION PDF PAGE

Digital Presentation 3
Teacher Tips 4
Parent Letter 5
Student Booklet Digital Link 6
Student Booklet 7-24
Summative Rubric 23
Formative Rubric 24

©Laney Lee 2021

 ACCOMPANYING
PRESENTATION

https://
docs.google.com/
presentation/d/1YMm-
RHorGB5wtHLMWBm7
juIFYBLKWGZdi1cj0y6
u8Jw/copy?
usp=sharing
 teacher tips
The Invention Convention is a fun way to get students hands on with
engineering!

Included with this product you will find:

• 7 Mini Lessons - I like to open class each day with a whole group
mini lesson on engineering and a run down of the plan for the day.
• An editable Parent Letter - Keep families and stakeholders
informed. Invite them to come see the finished products!
• Student Booklet - This resource will walk students through every
portion of the project including planning and execution.
• An editable Rubric - Helpful for marking final projects.

I have a blog post that has lots of examples of student work and ways
we’re tweaked this project over the years to bring in more of a
sustainability angle.
Have fun!

Sincerely,
Laney

4
©Laney Lee 2021

 INVENTION CONVENTION
Dear Parent,

This year our students will be participating in a special kind of science fair called the
Invention Convention. It is designed to promote problem-solving and creative-
thinking skills. Each student will be following a step-by-step process to invent a
new product or improve an existing product.
We began our preparation for the Invention Convention by having the students learn
about inventors and their inventions. By doing so, we hope the students will gain an
appreciation for the invention process and thus be better prepared to create their
own inventions. The first step in the actual invention process will be finding an idea
for an invention. Students are required to find a problem that needs to be solved
and list three ideas. Once turned in, I will meet with students individually to
determine which invention looks best. They will then begin the planning stage.
During this stage student will create a list of materials they need. We kindly ask
them to limit the materials to things that can be easily found around the home.
During the process of inventing, your continued interest and encouragement will be
helpful. Discuss due dates, the progress he

or she is making and any problems that

are encountered. Remind your child that

although inventors often experience

failure along the way, they remain

persistent and keep trying and thinking

of new ideas to solve a problem.

We know your child will enjoy and benefit

from this experience in scientific problem

solving. Although we want you to encourage

to your child in this inventive effort, we ask

you not to become overly involved in your

child's project. Your support and cooperation

are greatly appreciated.

✄-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please sign and return to confirm that you have reviewed and discussed the
information in this letter with your student.

Parent Signature:________________________________________________________

Student Signature:__________________________________________________

5 ©Laney Lee 2021

 FOR DIGITAL USE:

If any of the following are true, then you may wish to use this resource
digitally.
• You do not have access to a printer.
• You use Google Classroom.
• You are working towards a paperless classroom.

Please access the Google Doc file using the link below. Feel free to
make a copy for yourself which you will own and be able to edit to
your liking.

https://docs.google.com/
document/d/
15wR7qbSiakjYke2z9Q3F0i
OZrjQBohwWQqMd9gnBk4
c/edit?usp=sharing

 invention
convention
student booklet

NAME:_____________

student checklist Name: _____________

Before you Build:

❑ Intro Letter Signed and Returned
❑ Define a Problem
❑ Brainstorm Solutions
❑ Preconference with Teacher, signed
❑ Design a Prototype
❑ Materials List with Total Cost Estimated
❑ Letter to Parents Materials Request

During Building:
❑ Daily Progress Logs Completed

After Your Invention is Completed:

❑ Poster
❑ 2 Testimonials from Users
❑ Personal Evaluation

8
©Laney Lee 2021

day 1 – define the problem Name: _____________

Describe problems that are really frustrating. Your answers can be in a list
format.

At your house:
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At school:
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In the airport:
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©Laney Lee 2021

day 1 – brainstorm solutions Name: _____________

From the problems you listed, select three that you think you can find a
solution to.

Problem #1 __________________________________________________________________
Possible solutions: ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Constraints to consider:
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________

Problem #2 __________________________________________________________________
Possible solutions: ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Constraints to consider:
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Problem #3 __________________________________________________________________
Possible solutions: ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Constraints to consider:
_____________________________________________________________________________
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©Laney Lee 2021

day 2 – pre-conference Name: _____________

The two brainstormed inventions I am considering are:

1. ________________________
2. ________________________

We agreed to select ______________ because: ___________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________

Questions we need to consider/explore further: __________________________________

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Solutions to predicted problems:________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
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Teacher Signature: ________________________________

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©Laney Lee 2021

DAY 2 - DESIGN Name: _____________

Develop a model of your prototype. Use labels to help other understand your vision.

12
©Laney Lee 2021
day 2 – materials list Name: _____________

Check One Estimated

Material Have at Don’t
Cost
home? Have

Total Estimated Cost

13
©Laney Lee 2021
day 2 – materials request Name: _____________

As an inventor, you may not always have the resources you need to execute
your designs. Write a letter to your employer (your parents) explaining what
you need and why you need it. Be sure to emphasize the usefulness of your
invention to help convince your investors to give you what you need.

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©Laney Lee 2021

 day 3 – log Name: _____________

Today I worked on:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Possible issues I need to find solutions to:

______________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

What I will work on tomorrow:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________

15
©Laney Lee 2021

 day 4 – log Name: _____________

Today I worked on:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Possible issues I need to find solutions to:

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

What I will work on tomorrow:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

16
©Laney Lee 2021

 day 5 – log Name: _____________

Today I worked on:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Possible issues I need to find solutions to:

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

What I will work on tomorrow:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

17
©Laney Lee 2021

 day 6 – log Name: _____________

Today I worked on:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Possible issues I need to find solutions to:

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

What I will work on tomorrow:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

18
©Laney Lee 2021

create a presentation Name: _____________

You must include with your invention a presentation (poster, Google Slides,
etc) which covers the following information:

▪ The name of your invention in big, easy to read font

▪ A picture of your invention, either drawn or printed
▪ A step by step guide on how to use your invention
▪ A description of the problem which your invention should solve

Create a plan or outline and notes for your presentation here:

19
©Laney Lee 2021

testimonial 1 Name: _____________

Name of Person: ________________________________________

Were there problems with this invention? _________________________________

What were they? ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Overall, what did you think of this invention?

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Other Notes: _____________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

20
©Laney Lee 2021

testimonial 2 Name: _____________

Name of Person: ________________________________________

Were there problems with this invention? _________________________________

What were they? ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Overall, what did you think of this invention?

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Other Notes: _____________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

21
©Laney Lee 2021

personal evaluation Name: _____________

The best part of my invention is _______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

The part of my invention that frustrates me is ___________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Based on the testimonials I received, I need change______________________________

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
The reasons a person would want to use my invention is because
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Next time I decide to invent something I will _____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
22
©Laney Lee 2021

invention convention rubric Name: _____________

Strengths
Not Yet
Criteria for Proficiency (Evidence of Meeting or
(Areas that need work)
exceeding the Standard)

Defining a Problem
Student(s) had a good
understanding of the design
problem. They attended to
multiple criteria and
constraints. They used
scientific knowledge to limit
possible solutions.

Develop A Model
Student(s) created a mental
model of their prototype’s
behavior. They understood
and could name all inputs
and outputs of the prototype
and understood the
direction of each variable.

Planning and Carrying Out

Investigations
Student(s) collected data on
the performance of their
prototype under a range of
conditions and evaluated
the accuracy of their data
collection methods.

Analyzing & Interpreting

Data
Student(s) collected data for
their prototype using
multiple trials. They
analyzed the performance
data from multiple trialsand
considered the limitations of
data collection and analysis.

23 ©Laney Lee 2021

formative rubric
Before you Build
Name: _____________

Define a Problem

Several real life problems listed ++ + -

Brainstorm Solutions

Research is evident in solutions ++ + -

Preconference with Teacher, signed

Student is prepared for preconference

++ + -

Student is open minded to suggestions ++ + -

Design a Prototype

A detailed prototype is provided

++ + -

Labels are used ++ + -

Materials List with Total Cost Estimated

Complete and correct ++ + -

Letter to Parents Materials Request

Letter is persuasive
++ + -

Letter is grammatically correct ++ + -

During Building

Daily Progress Logs Completed

++ + -

Daily logs complete

++ + -

Problems are described

Student clearly finds solutions to problems

++ + -

After Your Invention is Completed:

Presentation

++ + -

Includes all required information

++ + -

Easy to read/organized

2 Testimonials from Users

++ + -

Complete

Personal Evaluation

++ + -

Personal growth is evident

++ + -

Changes from testimonials are made

24 ©Laney Lee 2021
thank you for your purchase!
TERMS OF USE
By purchasing this resource, you are agreeing that the contents are the property of Laney Lee and
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Thank you for abiding by universally accepted codes of professional ethics while using this
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