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?

NORMS FOR GROUP WORK Open Eyes: Look at the person speaking and focus on what they are saying. Open Ears: Actively listen to the speaker and if you do not understand, ask questions. Open Heart: Be empathetic. It is not always easy to hear others ideas if they are unlike your own.

Your Group Choice Think of something that you could use for something that is not what it was made for. Example: A spatula. Create a list of things it could be used for in your group and record on a sheet of paper. If you like, you can use something that I have brought in or that is in this room. Be ready to share in 10 minutes. Use SCAMPER.

SCAMPER SCAMPER 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 Talented AG is an acronym for Avant Garde MEAP 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 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

Glossaries and Flashcards The A/T Department can provide you with index cards if you would like to make flash cards. You have the choice to create your own flashcards using index cards or you may choose the flashcard maker website (Scholastic.com). 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 bridge/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: Play 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 reading on the history of bridges, 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!