1. Simple Machine INVENTION CONVENTION

2. Introduction
Greetings Scientists and welcome to the first annual Invention Convention! Have a great idea for an invention? Have you been waiting your whole life to see your idea come to life? Then today is your *lucky* day! Get your thinking caps on and let’s get ready to build!

3. Task
You will:
Create a blueprint plan with sketches and a detailed descriptions
Model a prototype using recycled materials
Sell your idea to your classmates by creating a detailed advertisement (i.e. video, newspaper, billboard) for your invention
Your mission today is to use your knowledge of simple machines to create a new and exciting invention that will help make our work easier.
Your invention should for use in one of the following places:
School
Home
Playground
Garden

4. Process
In assigned groups of three, you will brainstorm wonderful invention ideas using words or sketches
Review the website resources to refresh your memory on simple machines and make sure your invention ideas use one or more simple machine concepts
Decide upon one invention idea with your group members. Create your blueprint and list required materials
Create your prototype using recycled materials
Design an advertisement for your product using a video, poster board, skit, etc. Be sure to include what simple machine concepts are present
Then present you invention and advertisement
to your classmates!

5. Resources Dirtmeister’s Science Reporters: Simple Machines
Inventor's Toolbox
MIKIDS: Simple Machines
BrainpopJr: Simple Machines

6. Evaluation: Building A Structure
CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Plan
Plan is neat with clear measurements and labeling for all components.
Plan is neat with clear measurements and labeling for most components.
Plan provides clear measurements and labeling for most components.
Plan does not show measurements clearly or is otherwise inadequately labeled.
Construction -Materials
Appropriate materials were selected and creatively modified in ways that made them even better.
Appropriate materials were selected and there was an attempt at creative modification to make them even better.
Appropriate materials were selected.
Inappropriate materials were selected and contributed to a product that performed poorly.
Construction - Care Taken
Great care taken in construction process so that the structure is neat, attractive and follows plans accurately.
Constuction was careful and accurate for the most part, but 1-2 details could have been refined for a more attractive product.
Construction accurately followed the plans, but 3-4 details could have been refined for a more attractive product.
Construction appears careless or haphazard. Many details need refinement for a strong or attractive product.
Modification/Testing
Clear evidence of troubleshooting, testing, and refinements based on data or scientific principles.
Clear evidence of troubleshooting, testing and refinements.
Some evidence of troubleshooting, testing and refinements.
Little evidence of troubleshooting, testing or refinement.

7. Evaluation: Advertisement Presentation
CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Content
Shows a full understanding of the topic.
Shows a good understanding of the topic.
Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic.
Does not seem to understand the topic very well.
Collaboration with Peers
Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Tries to keep people working well together.
Usually listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Does not cause \"waves\" in the group.
Often listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group but sometimes is not a good team member.
Rarely listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Often is not a good team member.
Preparedness
Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed.
Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals.
The student is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking.
Student does not seem at all prepared to present.

8. Conclusion
Congratulations! By showing hard work and great determination, you have completed your mission and created a simple machine invention!
Now that we’ve shared our invention ideas, let’s take a vote and choose one to make a real life working model for use in our community!