Exploring Innovation and Invention - SCOPES Digital Fabrication
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Lesson Details

Subjects
History
Age Ranges
All ages
Fab Tools
Laser Cutter, Vinyl Cutter
Standards
Fab-Modeling.1
Author
tshering wangzom

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Author

tshering wangzom
Fablab manager
Tshering Wangzom is a lab manager and engineer at Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super Fablab. She has Bachelor in Electronics and Communications and MSc. in Networking and telecommunication. She is in charge of managing the lab and also developing and running… Read More

Summary

In this lesson, the students will learn the history of innovations through fun and play. The files for stickers or laser cutting will the attached to this lesson which the teacher will have to prepare in advance. The students will get to play with the stickers/ laser cut “innovation timeline” which will be an interactive way of learning, all the while the teacher will have to explain the importance of the innovation and the history of the innovation.

The teacher can also do an extra activity where the students can come up with their own innovative designs and have them present.

What You'll Need

  • Pen and Book
  • Vinyl cutter or laser engraver 

 

Lesson Materials

The Instructions

Introduction to innovation and Invention 20 mins

This will be an introduction to the lesson where the teacher will explain to the students the concept of invention and innovation. The explanation should be age-appropriate and with an example of the first mobile phone.

  • Begin by discussing the definitions of innovation and invention. Keep it simple and relatable for young students.
  • Use relatable examples: Discuss inventions like the light bulb, telephone, and computer. Explain how these inventions have transformed our lives.
  • Share examples of innovation, such as smartphones evolving from simple cell phones. ( Laser cut the first phone and show it to the students to show the difference, Use 2mm tick carboard). 
  • Ask students about an everyday object that they think is innovative or has been improved. It could be a common household item or a gadget.

 

Invention timeline 30 mins

Teachers can laser cut or make stickers or laser cut the file files before the lesson starts. Explain to the students each invention's importance and share history by showing the innovation timeline. Make students paste or arrange them according to the timeline in groups as a learning activity.

  • Divide the students into a group of a maximum of 5.
  • The teacher explains the importance, and year of invention and shares interesting facts about each invention.
  • It would be better if the teachers could show them the innovation timeline, and share the stickers/laser-cut model when the teacher is done/ while explaining about the particular invention.
  • The students can start arranging the stickers that will go on the innovation timeline. If possible, find a proper place for the students to paste the innovation timeline(which will be more interactive).

 

extra activity

To encourage creativity and brainstorming, this extra activity will allow the student to come up with ideas of their own. Students will also get to share their ideas through a presentation. This activity should emphasise that anyone can be an inventor by thinking creatively and approaching problems with an open mind. The lesson should be interactive.

Invention Creation Mindset activity (30 minutes)

Explain to students that they will be inventing a new product or improving an existing one.

Give each student a problem-solving prompt (e.g., “Create a tool to help people pick up trash more easily” or “Design a backpack with built-in solar panels”).

Allow students to brainstorm and sketch their ideas and present them.

Invention Presentations (15 minutes)

Have each student present their invention to the class. Encourage them to explain their idea, how it solves a problem, and how it demonstrates innovation.

Create an environment where all ideas are celebrated and valued.

 

Reflect and Discuss (10 minutes)

Facilitate a class discussion about the importance of innovation and how it impacts our lives.

Ask questions like: “Why is it important to think creatively?” “How can innovation lead to positive changes in our communities?”

 

 

 

 

 

Standards

  • (Fab-Modeling.1): I can arrange and manipulate simple geometric elements, 2D shapes, and 3D solids using a variety of technologies.

Common Core Standards

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