Mini-Lesson

New Ways to Play

1. Tell students that they are going to read an article about inventors. Ask: How do people come up with ideas for new inventions? (Answers may include: they see a need for something that doesn't exist already; they see something that they want to improve upon; they are inspired by everyday experiences.) Brainstorm a list of recent inventions.

2. Ask: What kind of person would make a good inventor? Make a list of character traits that inventors might share. Examples include: creative, hard-working, brave, intelligent, curious, handy and resourceful.

3. Pass out the article. Tell students that as they read they should identify the inspiration for each of the inventions mentioned in the article. Review after reading.

4. Follow up by asking: What advantages do kids have over adults when it comes to inventing toys?

5. Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for their own inventions.

6. Have students complete the worksheet Ready, Set, Invent! and share their ideas with the class.

Featured Partner

SITE SET: Inventions Use this set of topic-based online resources to supplement this mini-lesson. Additional resources available at www.eduhound.com