One way to organize the research is for your class to select one major theme, such as transportation, and have student groups select one example of transportation to study, such as the car. Or, students can select any invention or area of research that interests them. Significant facts to research include, who was the creator, when was it created, why was it created, what were the repercussions of its creation, etc. These entries can be written on notecards to be displayed in a classroom timeline. Each entry should include a date, title of the event, and brief description of its significance.
Entries can also include pictures or drawings.
Students begin by brainstorming a new invention or technology that fits in with their area of research. The invention should represent the next step the technology can take in order to develop in a positive direction. Students can refer to the guidelines for a good invention they outlined in lesson one. Once the concept is developed, students begin preparing for their invention trade show by creating a diagram or model of their invention or technology, and writing a press release about it. Each student should write their own press release for their product.