Pleasantview fourth graders have spent the last six weeks engaged in an Inventing Unit studying the brainstorming, problem-solving, and the creative aspects of overcoming issues that faces all of us on a regular basis. The Inventing Unit allowed the fourth graders the opportunity to proceed through a six-step process that culminated with the development of an invention that each student was able to share with fellow classmates and within a day spent in the gym amongst the entire Pleasantview student body, staff, parents, and various community members. From a spectators view, the highlight of the unit had to be the sight of 116 inventions being displayed in the Pleasantview gym. As one former Inventors’ Congress participant noted, “even Ben Franklin and Thomas Bell would have marveled at this amazing display of Yankee Ingenuity!
The six-step process that was presented to the students initiated with the process of identifying a problem. Quite often this first step is viewed as overwhelming, as the students are able to amass a large list of difficulties that face each of us on a daily, weekly, or monthly time frame. The difficulty becomes narrowing the listed problems down to a single quandary that a child wants to address. One step that assists in the thinning of the predicaments is brainstorming solutions step. Students enjoy the brainstorming process as all solutions and their ideas are considered and nothing suggested is viewed as too bazaar or outrageous. Once the students identify their individual problem to tackle, they move to taking on the role of the researcher. This step involves testing to see if their idea will indeed solve the identified dilemma and whether or not something similar to their idea exists or has been previously patented and marketed. Next, the inventor submits a project proposal and if approved by the teacher, the student works to make the invention a reality. Once created, the inventor describes his or her process in three written paragraphs that depicts how the invention works, it’s purpose, and how it would improve the quality of their life and the lives of others. It’s a lengthy process when you consider that most of the inventions needed several modifications before a working prototype was developed. But, such is the life of an inventor.
One new activity that assisted in promoting the marketing aspect of inventing was this year’s addition of the development of a TV spot. Five inventions were chosen from each class and the students worked in groups of six to produce a one to two minute commercial that was shown on Pleasantview’s morning broadcast, W.A.E.L. The advertising agencies spent three days researching seven elements that advertisers use to promote the public desire for a product. Some of the many designed display boards, which are used to disseminate information and draw interest to one's invention, included clever titles, slogans, songs, T-shirts, famous impersonations, and other advertising schemes. The creations of these commercials certainly must have added to the excitement and interest in attending the January 22nd Fourth Grade Inventor’s Congress as many individuals commented that this year’s public turnout had to be the largest ever!
To give you an idea of the ingenious thinking that was going on during this event and the creative advertising schemes that were developed, we’ve included a few titles, photographs, and descriptions of the inventions that were fashioned. Anyone that was in attendance would agree, that the future looks bright as the next generation of inventors are well on their way to solving life’s inconveniences.
Some of the inventions included:
Connor’s ‘Wheelchair Wheel Washer’ is a convenient and effective way to clean off the wheels of a Wheelchair
Reid’s ‘Movie’s To Go’ organizes and protects CD’s and DVD’s in a manageable and fashionable design.
Ryli’s ‘Baby Safe Garden Starter’ keeps your early starter plants warm and safe from little critters and curious children.
Abby’s ‘Pet Hotel’ is designed to organize stuffed animals into a simple and decorative fashion.
Angelique’s ‘Christmas Decoration Holder ‘makes collecting and storing Christmas materials much easier, saving you time and money.
Jordan’s ‘Two Section Kennel’ or T.S.K. is designed to transport two pets so that they may keep each other calm and comfortable.
Austin’s ‘Musical Hat’ is multifunctional as it keeps your head warm and your soul grooving.
Cole’s ‘Shh Tags’ remedies the annoying sound of clanging pet tags.
Andrew’s ‘Circle Rod Bucket’ is a resourceful way of organizing ice fishing rods and materials so you can haul in the big one.
Nicole’s ‘Paw Spa’ would be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for any pet.
Brinny’s ‘Snap Purse’ is as effective in organizing materials, as it is fashionable. Look for this item on the cover of all the major fashion magazines this spring.
Rachel’s ‘Trasher Smasher’ is created to keep you from having to step in to the trashcan to reduce or lower its contents.
Jaimee’s ‘Dog Walker Guardian’ could save you and your animal for an unfortunate traffic accident.
Luke’s ‘Snowballinator’ helps one defend their snow fortress by mass-producing snowballs.
Certainly these were not all of the wonderful inventions that were on display, but it does give you the understanding that problem solving skills and ‘outside the box’ thinking are alive and well at District 47.
