Invent It, Build It Activity Guide
This guide offers six hands-on challenges designed to spark the inventive spirit of kids aged 9–12. Whether you're running an afterschool program, workshop, class, or event, these challenges are a fun way to bring invention to life for kids, get them thinking like inventors and engineers, and show them how invention improves people's lives. Each challenge takes about an hour, uses readily available materials, gives kids many ways to succeed, and is aligned with national science and technology standards.
You'll need a PDF Reader to view these files. Spanish language versions of these materials will be available Spring 2009.
You may download the entire Invent It, Build It Activity Guide here:
English - Invent It, Build It Activity Guide (5.3 MB)
Spanish - Invent It, Build It Activity Guide (6.6 MB)
Or, you may download the guide in the following sections:
Cover, Welcome Letter, and Credits
English - Cover, Welcome Letter, and Credits PDF (580 K)
Spanish - Cover, Welcome Letter, and Credits PDF (560 K)
Invent It, Build It Introductory Material
English - Invent It, Build It Introductory Material PDF (1.1 MB)
Spanish - Invent It, Build It Introductory Material PDF (588 K)
Contents:
- How to Use This Guide
- Talking with Kids about Inventing
- Introducing the Design Process
- Setting Up an Invention Club
- Invention Resources
- Sources for Materials
- Related PBS Science Resources
Education Standards
The challenges in this guide correspond to the National Science Education Standards, the ITEA National Study of Technology Content Standards, and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks Science and Technology/Engineering Standards.
English - Education Standards PDF (92 K)
Spanish - Education Standards PDF (64 K)
Posters
Kid Inventors
English - Kid Inventors PDF (500 K)
Spanish - Kid Inventors PDF (488 K)
The Design Process
English - The Design Process PDF (740 K)
Spanish - The Design Process PDF (268 K)
Challenge 1: Confetti Launcher
Invent a device to launch a big cloud of confetti.
English - Leader Notes PDF (484 K)
English - Activity Sheet PDF (548 K)
Spanish - Leader Notes PDF (444 K)
Spanish - Activity Sheet PDF (588 K)
Challenge 2: Get-Moving Game
Invent a game that gets everyone up and moving.
English - Leader Notes PDF (476 K)
English - Activity Sheet PDF (584K)
Spanish - Leader Notes PDF (444 K)
Spanish - Activity Sheet PDF (584K)
Challenge 3: Harmless Holder
Invent a holder for six cans that's animal-safe, sturdy, convenient, and easy to carry.
English - Leader Notes PDF (496 K)
English - Activity Sheet PDF (568 K)
Spanish - Leader Notes PDF (364 K)
Spanish - Activity Sheet PDF (604 K)
Challenge 4: Speedy Shelter
Invent a sturdy shelter that's easy to build.
English - Leader Notes PDF (572 K)
English - Activity Sheet PDF (624 K)
Spanish - Leader Notes PDF (364 K)
Spanish - Activity Sheet PDF (628 K)
Challenge 5: Convenient Carrier
Invent a way for someone using crutches or a wheelchair to carry all their stuff.
English - Leader Notes PDF (469 K)
English - Activity Sheet PDF (604 K)
Spanish - Leader Notes PDF (356 K)
Spanish - Activity Sheet PDF (624 K)
Challenge 6: Invent a Better World
Invent solutions for needs found in daily life.
English - Leader Notes PDF (184 K)
English - Activity Sheet PDF (528 K)
Spanish - Leader Notes PDF (136 K)
Spanish - Activity Sheet PDF (508 K)