THINK Like an Inventor Young Inventor’s Fair

Choosing a Topic Brainstorm a list of ideas Choose a topic that is interesting to you Think about an invention that already exists and how you could make it better or a part of it you could improve

Questions to help me choose a topic? What are my interests? What would I like to learn about? Do I have a question about something? Where can I look for topics? Science Fair books Internet Teacher Does my project meet the requirements?

Research Your Problem

Is there evidence that Invention/Innovation Exists? How is the innovation different? How might this invention/innovation be helpful? What area or field is this related to? Use GUIDING Questions to Help with Your Research

Use Scientific Process to TEST the Invention/Innovation Plan Problem Research Hypothesis Materials Procedure Test Follow Procedure Multiple Trials Control Variables Conclude Data Table Graphs Summarize findings

Stating My Problem or Need After choosing a topic, what do you want to find out or develop Examples: –How can I change the wheels on my skateboard to help create a smoother ride? –People spend too much money on different types of shoes. How can I create a shoe to solve this problem?

Stating My Hypothesis This needs to be written in an if….then…statement Examples: –If a skateboard with wheels that absorbed vibrations was created, then the ride will be smoother –If a 4 sport shoe was created, then people would not have to spend the money on multiple pairs.

Testing Procedure Step by step directions 1. Gather all materials 2. Set up materials to test 3. Test at least 5 or more times  Record your data on a table  Graph results.

Stay Focused

Collecting Data As you test your invention or a part of your invention, be sure to collect data using a chart or table in your log or plan book

Graph Results Types of Graphs: Bar- Compares different things Line- Shows progress over time Circle- Parts of a Whole Make sure title and subtitles are labeled. Shape of Blade # of Revolutions

Variables Independent- ONE thing you change in test. Ex. Shape of blade Dependent- How you measured? Ex. Amount of revolutions Constants- EVERYTHING you kept the same! Ex. Fan, cardstock, materials

Abstract and Conclusion This is a summary of your experiment. What did you learn from the experiment? Did you prove your hypothesis? Why-why not? What problems did you have? How is it applicable to real life? What can the results be used for? How can I use the knowledge I have gained from the experiment? What would you do differently next time?