What Will Your Child Invent?

Every child can become an inventor!  In fact, a child invented the trampoline, the popsicle and the trampoline.  The first step in helping your child invent is to guide them to notice problems in their world and the wider world around them.   When a marker rolls away, notice the issue and begin a discussion about how a better product could be invented.  How about a marker with a triangular tubed body to prevent rolling?  Inventing is an authentic, fun way to develop creative problem solving skills with your child.

The Smithsonian Spark!Lab encourages students to follow a seven step process for inventing:

1. Think It (Identify a problem or need)
2. Explore It (Conduct Research)
3. Sketch It (Make Sketches)
4. Create It (Build Prototypes)
5. Try It (Test the Invention)
6. Tweak It (Refine It)
7. Sell It (Market The Invention)

ePals and the Smithsonian are currently hosting an Invention Challenge for K-12 students inviting students around the world to submit their invention ideas for a chance at winning global recognition and great prizes such as lego sets, patent opportunities and Camp Invention Scholarships.  Students simply submit a power point or video explaining their invention and how they developed it using the Smithsonian Spark!Lab invention process.  Visit http://bit.ly/1cW6y5J to find out more about the Challenge and discover great resources for helping your child to become a young inventor!