KBLOG 32: Unleashing Creativity: Tips for Helping Students Birth Innovative Ideas: 48 Hours of Problems and Dare to Invent
You can SUBSCRIBE and/or leave a comment at the bottom of this KBLOG
The Challenge:
I suggested in a previous KBLOG that a student-derived project or experiment ends up having a profound effect on young people. I became aware of this especially when I taught an invention course. I loved working with students who wanted to try their hand at inventing something. They took ownership of a self-generated idea from hatching an invention idea, planning and designing it and building a final prototype product. I initially proposed to the students that by the end of the school year they would present a physical prototype of an invention that they would create (in the same style as shark tank) to the class and adult guests. Immediately after I proposed this, they looked at me like I was weird! They did not have confidence that they could do this, they claimed that they had no ideas and that they would never be able to produce an original idea. I needed a solution to overcome their reluctance and lack of belief in their ability to invent a unique and self-derived product.
A Solution:
A solution, based on an invention, is derived from a problem. Any invention or creative solution is born out of the ability of a person to recognize a problem. I have an assignment to help students recognize problems, called Forty-eight Hours of Problems. For 48 hours students write down every challenge or problem that they or others encounter in their everyday lives. Students do not filter, judge or act on the problems yet. The problems can be simple, for example forgetting to do homework or the difficulty a grandparent pouring hot water or their teacher always losing their lesson plan book. The students use the generated problem lists as a starting point for potential inventions. Before giving out this assignment we watch sample videos as inspiration for the students. My students love these creative invention videos, which show how ordinary people observe problems and figure out how to solve them through their inventions. These videos help students realize that they can become inventors like those in the videos by recognizing everyday problems and acting on them to find solutions. These videos are produced through a great program called, “Dare to Invent”
Sample Videos from “Dare to Invent” Show
Pan that Cooks Food Inside of Cupcakes
Keep Bathrooms Safer with Twister Caps
Inventor Battling Cancer Creates a World’s First
Resources:
Brainstorming, past KLOG - https://www.k12stemspace.com/k-blog/effective-brainstorming
Great inspiring videos about how ordinary people become inventors: https://tinyurl.com/dare-to-invent-videos
Sample Videos from “Dare to Invent” Show
Pan that Cooks Food Inside of Cupcakes
Keep Bathrooms Safer with Twister Caps
Inventor Battling Cancer Creates a World’s First
