Invention Convention

As part of interdisciplinary work across science, humanities, writer’s workshop, and transliteracy, Grade 4 students engage with the Invention Convention which provides a hands-on opportunity for students to creatively solve a novel problem. With the timeliness and acknowledgment of National Engineers Week, this STEM, invention, and entrepreneurship program starts with our students exploring their lives, and the lives of others, to identify a problem they are passionate about solving. 
An invention must:
  • Solve a real problem.
  • Be something that no one has ever made before.
  • Cannot be purchased in a store or online.
  • May be a clear improvement or addition to something that already exists. 
Throughout the whole process of Invention Convention, our students embrace the mindset of an innovator: staying curious, taking risks, showing empathy, and leaning into the challenge. Grade 4 science teacher, Ms. Russell, once shared, “We want students to see that with every problem, there is a possible solution that can be created through innovation. And all of the habits of an innovator can be used to formulate solutions to problems in our community and to make our world a better place.” 

What have our students done so far? 
First, students focused on identifying the problems they want to solve, brainstorming potential solutions, and conducting research with peers to develop their ideas further. They practiced “problem mapping,” a process where larger problems are broken down into smaller, manageable sub-problems. This method allowed them to generate a wider range of solutions and explore alternative approaches to tackling the main issue. Students also learned how to effectively research their chosen problems, ensuring their proposed solutions are innovative and have not already been created. If they discovered that their ideas already existed, they revisited their problem maps to reevaluate their approach and explore new perspectives or solutions. Students then finalized their decision on the specific problem they wanted to address as they transitioned to the "ideating and design" phases of the process.

Recently in science, students completed their blueprints and took the exciting next step in the invention process—building their first prototypes! These initial prototypes are being constructed using common household materials or upcycled items, reinforcing the importance of creativity, resourcefulness, and sustainability in the design process. Once their first prototypes are assembled, students will receive feedback to evaluate what aspects of their designs are working well and what areas could be improved. Using this insight, they will refine their ideas and begin constructing their second, more polished prototype.
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200 Strawberry Hill Road
Concord, MA 01742
Phone: 978-369-4591
Email: info@nashobabrooks.org
Situated on a beautiful 30-acre campus in historic Concord, Massachusetts, Nashoba Brooks School enrolls all genders in Preschool through Grade 3, and students identifying as girls in Grades 4 through 8. Nashoba Brooks is an independent school designed to build community, character, and confidence in its students.
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