1. INNOVATION CELEBRATION
IIM Research Project
Expo on Thursday, March 30th

2. Objective for Research Project
Gain an understanding of the process of innovation
An innovation is something new that can be tangible (like an invention) or intangible (like an idea).
Goals:
Identify a need
Create an original idea or object that satisfies a need or addresses a problem
Investigate whether or not the innovation already exists
Test the innovation, make modifications, and draw conclusions
Keep records and document progress
Relate scientific methods to real life, including ethics
Identify criteria for an innovation and tell how the innovation meets them
Generalize about innovators and the creative process

3. Innovations that have impacted your life
Schoolhouse Rock – Inventions video
Shark Tank - SoundBender video
Shark Tank - Sweep Easy video
Internet invented in 1969
Personal Computer invented in 1975
Cell Phone invented in 1979
DVD Player invented in 1995
Bluetooth Technology invented in 2000
Skype invented in 2003
YouTube invented in 2005
Nintendo Wii  invented in 2006
Apple iPhone invented in 2007
Spotify invented in 2008

4. You will become the inventor!
Your Job will be to:
Define a problem and hypothesizes possible solutions.
Research whether other ideas or products have been developed that solve the problem. If you find that something already exists to solve the problem, how can what already exists be improved?
Build a prototype or fully explain ideas in order to formalize your solutions. Include drawings of prototypes or detailed plans.
Test the prototype or idea and record the results of the tests.
You should answer questions such as:
If the invention is tested 20 times, how many times did it work?
What were other people’s reactions?
What works? What doesn’t work?
What could improve the innovation? What revisions are necessary?
Develop a plan for communicating about the innovation.
Brainstorm names for the innovation, logos, slogans, packaging ideas, sales price.
Develop an advertising campaign or communication plan aimed at a likely consumer for your innovation.

5. Present the Innovation
At the Expo (on a tri-fold):
Present the advertisement for the innovation
Demonstrate the innovation with a physical model or a drawing
Display a written description of the innovation
Display all research and tests

6. Expo on Thursday, March 30th
You will have some time in class to work on the project but the majority of the project needs to be completed at home.
On the Texas Performance Standards Project website under the Intermediate (3-5) Tasks tab you can find more information about the Innovation Celebration project. It is the seventh task listed on the right side when you scroll down.
Innovation Celebration website
You will need to submit the following sheets on the due dates listed on the cover sheet: (the sheets will be given to you by your Homeroom Teacher)
Cover Sheet
Invention Idea Survey sheet
Innovator’s Journal sheet
Invention Design Brief sheet
Innovation Description sheet

7. Any Questions?