1. GREAT PENCIL INVENTION
Inventing a New Kind of Pencil

2. So you want to do some inventing?
What's wrong with this pencil?
Here are some typical replies:
small
ugly
no eraser
needs sharpening
made out of wood
can't see inside and how it works
can't write on chalkboard
not made of steel
goes down too fast
lead always breaks
can't eat it
easy to lose
not interesting
not decorated
too skinny
too fat

3. "How can we improve this pencil?"
What new features can we add to make it more useful?
Here are some more ideas:
put an eraser on
make the eraser bigger
change the color
make it longer
get a new one
make it fatter
make it skinnier

4. GREAT PENCIL INVENTION
How about this pencil?
Who or for what would this pencil be used?
hammer
doctor's hammer
screw driver
cork screw
can opener

5. GREAT PENCIL INVENTION
How about this pencil? Who or for what would this pencil be used?

6. GREAT PENCIL INVENTION
One of my first inventions!
What ideas do you have for a new pencil?
mirror
lipstick
eyeliner
compact
mascara
comb
chocolate
pretzel
fruit
card case TV
camera
typewriter
computer
calculator
Compass pencil: has compass built into the end.

7. GREAT PENCIL INVENTION
More designs….
prism
eyeglasses
telephone
pager
stapler
scissor
fish tank
watch
clock
animal
insect
candy
candy dispenser
flashlight
glow in the dark
lighted tip to write in the dark
emergency flasher: lets install one on our ugly pencil above:

8. GREAT PENCIL INVENTION
More designs….
chalk
dental mirror
tooth brush
floss
toothpicks
sharpener
mechanical pencil
bugger digger
tissue holder
airplane
flying pencil
more eraser
This “silly" pencil was invented by one student

9. GREAT PENCIL INVENTION
More designs….
triangular
square
round
hexagonal
built in torch
matches on one end
match holder
cigarette lighter
musical instrument
tuning fork
spring
gyroscope
top
physics demos
fork
spoon
chopsticks

10. GREAT PENCIL INVENTION
Enough ideas for you?
Well, now is the time for getting the class to do improve
their critical thinking skills.
For example, ask the class:
Which pencils could be invented with simple tools and easily obtained items.
Which items could be manufactured most easily?
How much can such a pencil be sold?
Does the class want to form a small business manufacturing and selling pencils, or any other items?
What kinds of activities are involved?