Young Adult Books

Lesson 3: Books That Encourage

Activity

Does the way some things work bug? Do they need to be improved? When kids and adults try to improve things, it often ends in a new invention. Now, I want you to try to invent something.

What you will need:

* a journal - a new notebook will do.

* drawing paper

* pencil

* lots of imagination

What to do:

Write the names of several things that bug you in your journal.

After each, write what it is about the item that drives you crazy.

Think about ways this item could be improved upon.

Make notes on all of your ideas.

When you think you can make serious improvements, you have an idea for an invention.

Sketch your invention and label the parts.

Write about how it will work.

Make a working model out of Lego, Merker, Tinker Toys, Erector Sets, K'nex or other building materials, such as wood, metal, cardboard. (You may need some help from an adult with your project.)

When you have perfected your invention, show it to teachers, friends, parents and Scout or Guide leaders. Ask them what they think of it and if they have suggestions for improvements.

Be sure to check out the website By Kids for Kids, which is in the link section of this lesson. There's lots to be learned there.

Ideas

Here are a few ideas of things that you like might to invent, or think of one of your own.

Toys

Board games

Something to improve the environment

Something to improve life for people with physical disabilities

Improve on a household item

Lighting

Something to use with your computer

Something to make life easier for kids or teachers at school

Something that would make your neighborhood safer

Something that would make life easier for your parents

Something that would make life easier for you

There are millions of ideas out there just waiting for someone to think of them. That someone might be you.

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