School News

Young Inventors

11/19/2020

Andrew Campion, Director of Marketing

During a typical year, grades 5-6 explore contagious diseases as an interdisciplinary study which includes a foundations of American social studies segment along with a study of pathogens and the history of vaccines. This unit originally stemmed from the idea of thinking about what the impact of certain diseases, such as smallpox, had on different cultures throughout American history.

This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity for the 5-6 team and specialists to pivot toward a STEAM project focused on inventive ways of solving problems brought on by the pandemic. Students began this project by interviewing a wide range of individuals such as small business owners, healthcare professionals, college students, and others, on how they have been affected by the pandemic. After collecting this data, students consolidated information and began brainstorming different possible solutions for some of these issues.

The next phase of the Pandemic Invention Project was the brainstorming process, however before students began brainstorming, they were first introduced to several brainstorming and ideation techniques from FSS Shop teacher Hannah Gittleman, and consultant Beau Kenyon. This collection of asynchronous lessons offered various techniques that students could utilize for each step of their projects; from brainstorming, to ideation, to prototyping.

Once students had their inventions conceptualized, they began designing and building prototypes. This process provides many opportunities to learn and implement different tactile and hands on crafting techniques with different materials. Students worked with cardboard, sewing materials, and electronics to bring their creations to life.

First round prototypes led into the critiquing phase where students met virtually to present and analyze their inventions with their peers. Hannah and Beau once again provided some context for this stage and emphasized how crucial it is to the creative process. Teachers and staff helped guide these critique discussions through Zoom.

Armed with valuable feedback, it was back to the work bench to finalize their projects. These creative projects ranged from different types of practical masks to make day to day activities easier, such as eating, cooling compartments, or speakers installed in the mask to help amplify the wearer's voice. Other projects focused on positive mental health practices and stimulating activities to keep oneself busy while staying home. One invention even developed a useful trébuchet for safely delivering halloween candy from a distance.

You can find several examples of these projects below. And keep an eye out for more to come soon!

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