Inventions change the world around us and even though they may be difficult, they are sometimes essential. Inventions have been made everyday since the beginning of civilization. They are the source of inventions. Some inventions are great, like the wheel, some are terrible, such as the automobile, but there are many great inventions that changed the world. One of the greatest inventions of all time was the telephone. The telephone not only allowed people to talk across town and around the world, it also allowed business professionals to communicate effectively.
Without these inventions, life as we know it wouldn’t be the same. Without the airplane, we probably wouldn’t be able to fly anywhere. Without the automobile, we probably wouldn’t be able to travel in large groups. With the invention of the telephone, the world has literally become a much smaller place. With a patent application, you’re securing your own idea so that it doesn’t get copied by another party.
As technology changes, we need to ask students how to solve problems creatively. A good way to teach this idea is to look at current inventions that have helped people make the world a better place. Ask students what invention would they like to see made if they were able to get their hands on it. You should also give some thought to the problems that could be solved by the invention. Even if it’s not a huge invention like the automobile, you can still come up with a list of possible problems. Ideas for inventions can come from anywhere – nature, history, current events, pop culture, and so on.
When you are teaching students how to think creatively, you also need to show them where different types of inventions have been invented. The US patent system was set up to help researchers come up with new ideas. One of the things that you will likely find in a patent application is an example of an invention. This is especially true if you are looking at the age-old telephone invention. A good way to teach students about the importance of thinking of original in addition to inventive is to show them pictures of other inventions.
Inventions may be divided into specific types. Inventions regarding processes or machines, or biological innovations, would fall under chemical or biological invention. A process invention would be unique to the process of a particular invention.
If you want your class to really take learning about inventions seriously, you should encourage students to bring their own inventions to class. There will always be times when a student cannot think of an invention that falls within the scope of your lesson plan. After all, many students learn from watching others. If one of your students bring an invention to class, then you can inspire that student to bring forth his or her own invention. After all, you do not know what it will look like; so, inspire!