Your Own Invention

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Consider This

For this challenge, you will invent something that will improve someone’s life. It could be a tool, device, machine, etc. that can help someone somewhere. A good inventor understands who their invention is for and what they need.

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Your Goal

As an inventor, your task is to create a drawing, build a simple model (prototype), and prepare a short presentation (pitch) about your new invention. Show how it works and explain it clearly.

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Steps to Follow:

Step 1:
Think of an idea for an invention. What could you create that would help improve someone’s life?

Step 2-4:
Use the following pages to plan, design, and build your invention!

Step 5:
Present your invention using the checklist on the last page. Ask other inventors for feedback!

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Before You Begin:

You don’t need to fully finish your invention. Making inventions takes time! The goal here is to create a simple prototype and share it for feedback. What you do beyond that is up to you.

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Let’s get started!

Step 1: Generate an Idea

Think of your own invention idea.

Need help?
Go to www.Sharpen.design/STEM in a web browser.
Look for the lightbulb icon near “Inventions.”
Click “New Challenge” until you find a prompt you like. If you want to change the person for the invention, lock the prompt and choose another.
Write your chosen challenge here:
The challenge I’m going to take on is...

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Step 2: Imagine a Persona

A “persona” is a made-up person who represents the real users of your invention. Thinking about who will use your invention helps you design something useful and thoughtful.

Use this template to imagine your user:

• Name & Age:
• Favorite Food & Color:
• Hometown:
• Job/Occupation:
• What matters most to this person in their job or life?

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Step 3: List Problems to Solve

Break down the big problem into smaller problems your invention can fix. Write these down to guide your design.

• How does the problem relate to your persona?
• What does your invention need to work (constraints)?
• What is the most important feature for your persona?

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Step 4: Create Your Invention!

• Draw your invention and label its parts.
• Use multiple pages if needed to explain your idea clearly.
• Build a simple prototype using craft materials, recyclables, or toys.
• Your prototype doesn’t have to work perfectly; it just needs to show what your invention looks like and how it might work.

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Step 5: Create a Pitch

Present your invention by answering these questions:

• Who is this invention made for?
• What problem does it solve?
• What would you do differently next time?
• What’s your favorite part of your invention?
• Why is your invention better than others?

You can speak your answers or write them down.

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That’s it! You’re ready to invent. Good luck!

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