Invent It, Build It

Spark the inventive spirit of kids with this guide's six activities, designed to show how invention improves people's lives.

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)