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Think Like an Inventor!. What is an invention?. An invention is a new product, device, or process that did not exist before the inventor created it. Inventions come from all over the world.
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What is an invention? • An invention is a new product, device, or process that did not exist before the inventor created it. • Inventions come from all over the world. • Inventions go beyond just technology: things like toys, food, sports, and musical instruments can also be considered inventions.
Inventions Are Different from Discoveries • A discoveryis a product or process that already exists, but is unknown until someone discovers it. • For example: • Rubber is a discovery • A tire is an invention • Discoveries often lead to inventions, and vice versa.
What Makes a Person an Inventor? • Inventors are people who think of creative ways to solve problems or make tasks easierfor people to do. • To turn their ideas into inventions, inventors follow steps in a process, much like scientists do. • Inventors have many of the same special qualities that kids have!
Qualities of Successful Inventors • Inventors are curious • They are always asking questions and seeking answers. • Inventors are learners • They find information to help them think about problems and how to solve them. • Inventors are creative • They build and experiment to find out how their ideas will work. • Inventors are persistent • They keep trying to improve and perfect their inventions and don’t give up.
How Inventors Get Their Ideas • Inventors think about and investigate people’s needs or problems that need solving. • Sometimes inventors think of a completely new invention that never existed before in any form. • More often, inventors think of ways to improve upon an invention that already exists. • Inventors also combine existing inventions to create a new invention.
Improving Upon Existing Inventions • Inventors often modify (make changes to) existing inventions to improve them for the same purpose.
Modifying and Combining Inventions for a New Purpose • Existing inventions can be modified (changed and improved) to serve a new purpose. • Existing inventions can also be combined to create a new invention. • What existing inventions were combined so that today’s modern cell phones could be used in new and different ways?
How Inventors Protect Their Ideas • Inventors protect their ideas by applying for a patent. • A patent gives the inventor the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention in the United States for a period of time.
Ready to Think Like an Inventor? • What qualities will help you to become a successful inventor? • What are some of the steps you will need to follow in the invention process?