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Invention of the YearProject

Invent a new product that will improve the life of a person who has a disability. This cannot be an existing product out on the market today, but it can be an improvement on an existing one. It also cannot be a miracle drug or a cure-all operation. It must be a device that a person can use. Come up with a creative name for your invention.

You will turn in the following items on ______:

1.Invention Worksheet: Complete both the front and the back of this handout.

2.Product Illustration: Illustrate your invention on white paper. Use color and label the special features.

3.Product Description: Write aparagraph describing your invention. Follow example shown in class. (It must be typed. Use 3rd person pronouns.)

4.User Guide: Create a user guide for your product. Include information on how to use and care for this product. Follow example shown in class. (It must be typed.)

5.Presentation/ExpoScript: You will be showcasing your new product at the Suzanne Technology Expo. Write a script that explains your product and include information from the Invention Worksheet (see other side). This must be typed andformatted like a script. If you are in a group, you will most likely present alone when your partner(s) is (are) visiting other exhibits.

Your grade will be determined by the following factors:

1.Uniqueness of the product

2.Writing skills

a)Sentence structure (no fragments, run-ons, awkward wording, etc.)

b)Mechanics (proper use of punctuation, spelling, capitalization, indentation, etc.)

c)Writing style (varied sentences, mature vocabulary, parallel structure, etc.)

3.Color, creativity, and aesthetics

4.Neatness and organization (afinished product – no editing marks on final draft)

5.Presentation at the expo (preparedness, audibility, attitude, professionalism, etc.)

Tasks Performed / Which group member worked on this task?
Invention Worksheet (fill out the front & back of this handout)
Product Illustration
Product Description
User Guide
Presentation/Expo Script
Typing (who typed what?)
Names of group members / Presentation Grade / Project Grade

Turn over 

InventionWorksheet

Group Members:Period

Identify the disability your product will address.
Explain this disability. Identify the source of your information.
What is the name of your product?
What is your product idea?
How will your product improve the life of a person with this disability?

Day One

1.Form groups or you may work alone.

2.Decide on a disability. Get teacher approval.

3.Read about the disability you chose to study.

4.Fill out the Invention Worksheet.

5.Work on the rough sketch of your Product Illustration.

HW: Finish the Invention Worksheet at home.

Choose from the following list:

(2 groups max. per choice)

  • Autism
  • Blindness
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Dyslexia
  • Down syndrome
  • Hearing loss
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Speech disorder
  • Spina bifida
  • I’m also open to other ideas. (Note: If you use your own idea, you must find the literature on your own)

Day Two

1.Write the Product Description.

2. Work on the Product Illustration.

3.Start the User Guide.

4.Divide up the duties before class ends.

HW: Type up the Product Description at home.

Day Three

1.Finish the User Guide.

2. Finish the Product Illustration.

2.Startthe Expo Script.

3.Divide up the duties before class ends.

HW: Type up theUser Guideand finish the Product Illustration at home.

Day Four

1.Finish the Expo Script.

2.Practice your presentation.

3.Divide up the duties before class ends.

HW: Type up the Expo Script at home.

All paperwork below is due on ______:

  • Invention Worksheet
  • Product Illustration
  • Product Description (Typed)
  • User Guide (Typed)
  • Expo Script (Typed – Need copies for all group members & one for the teacher)