ACTIVITY: INVENTIONS OF THE FUTURE!

Duration: 15 – 20 minutes

Materials: Butcher’s paper or A3 paper, pens/markers

Technology: Teacher laptop and projector, or student devices (e.g. laptops, tablets)

Task:

Whole class activity: (five minutes)

Watch the video ‘Our Future Science Platforms: tackling the big challenges of the 21st century’ at https://vimeo.com/183255646 
(duration two minutes)
Teacher to ask students the following questions and collate answers on the board:
What are some current problems in your local area, state or territory that need to be addressed?
What are some current problems in your country that need to be addressed?
(Answers may cover environmental, social 
and/or economic issues)

In pairs: (10 minutes)

Choose an issue that has been discussed (for example: pollution in local creek).
Brainstorm ideas for an invention that could be useful in helping to solve the identified issue.
Write a description of your invention, including saying why it would have the ability to help solve the issue.
List the types of Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics (STEM) skills someone would need to create or use this invention.

Class presentation: 2 – 3 minutes

In pairs, present your ‘Invention of the Future’ to the class.

For further inspiration, check out some of the innovative ideas from the 2018 BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards:
https://blog.csiro.au/anti-ants-rugs-shrimply-plastics-teen-inventions/ 
http://www.scienceawards.org.au/Student-Awards

Science Curriculum links:
People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity (ACSHE121)

Years 7–10
#scienceweek
#STEMinSchools
www.csiro.au/education