Young Inventors

Posted by 123 Alveare September 15, 2013

Young Inventors

Our second inquiry is well underway and some very exciting things are happening in Alveare. As you are all aware our inquiry started at Rippon Lea where we visited the old homestead and discovered that a lot of things in our every day lives have changed over time. We have discussed the reason why we think things change and have debated the idea that “all inventions make our lives better”. The children were interested in the design aspect of inventions and this has led us to explore the ‘Design Process’ in order to get a better idea of how inventions are created. Currently in our learning community we have created a display highlighting the seven stages of the design process. Feel free to come in and have a look. Here is a summary of what the children have been doing at each stage:

Identify a problem

At this stage the children worked in groups to try and come up with an invention. They were encouraged to identify a ‘need’ and there were no limitations based on their ideas.

Brainstorming

At this stage children worked in teams to narrow down their ideas and brainstorm possible inventions they could make, based on the materials that were available to them (thanks for all the donations!) They watched videos and did some research based on different mechanisms and moving parts.

Design

In their design teams children had to select one design that they were committed to making. They had to fill out and submit a design brief and a detailed diagram to “The Board” aka the teachers. Once approved they were ready to move onto the next stage…….. BUILDING!

Build

There was a great buzz of excitement in the learning community when the time to build our inventions was finally here! The photos you see on this blog were taken on building day. After the first day of building the children reflected on the challenges they faced and wrote some steps they would take to improve their design for the next session.

Still to come…………

Test and Evaluate

Redesign

Share a solution

On display in the Learning Community are some examples of student’s work as they move through the stages of the design process. You are welcome to come into the LC and have a look at our wall or browse through the ‘design journals' the children are keeping to record their journey throughout this inquiry.

As you look through the photos below you will see some of the reflections the children have written about their inventions.