Begin an Inventor's Log!
Before You Begin Inventing...
One of the most important tools used by inventors is the Inventor’s Log. It is a resource for writing down all information about the process by which you create your inventions. Using a bound notebook, or the template below, make notes about what you do and learn while working on your invention. Write in ink and do not erase – even mistakes are all part of the process. Also, make sure to sign and date all entries. You may even want to have a parent or teacher sign them as a witness.
What goes into an Inventor’s Log? Basically, it should include anything relating to the invention(s) you create such as:
- Ideas and how you came up with them
- Thoughts or concerns about your ideas
- Materials tested and used
- Parts and where you got them plus costs
- Research – both the facts and books, magazines, and/or websites
- Diagrams, sketches, and drawings
- Problems you encounter
- How you solved problems you encountered
- Data, charts, and graphs
Why keep an Inventor’s Log?
- To keep track of all your thoughts and research, so if you forget something, you can easily go back and find it again
- To prove when you came up with your ideas for your invention
>>Click Here to Download Inventor’s Log Template
Note: Remember Young Inventors are not required to use the Inventor's Log Template provided, but must make sure to keep a journal of their invention process in a bound notebook.
Creating an InventionThe process of developing an invention is not difficult, but it can take time. There are five major steps involved in creating an invention:
- Get an Idea
- Make a Plan
- Build a Model
- Test the Model
- Finalize Your Invention
Listed above are more details about each step and some examples to help. However, please keep in mind that this is a process, not a recipe. Follow the points that help you create your invention and avoid the ones that frustrate you, slow you down, or prevent you from completing your invention. Go in an order that makes sense for you and don’t be afraid to go back to a previous step.Keep in mind that, if you make a mistake or something fails, it isn’t the end of the world. ALL inventors have setbacks, but the successful ones learn from their mistakes and move forward. In 1968, Dr. Spence Silver was trying to create super-strong glue, but instead he made a very weak adhesive that wouldn’t permanently stick. Six years later, another researcher at his company was looking for a way to stick bookmarks into a book without damaging the paper. He discovered that Dr. Silver’s weak glue was perfect for his needs, turning what was thought to be a failure into a top-selling office supply - the PostIt™ Note. So, if you get stuck, take a step back, look over what you’ve done, and don’t be afraid to move into a new direction.Remember - the most important thing when inventing is to have fun! For More on Inventing, Check out These Websites!By Kids For Kids: Provides children information about the process of inventing, examples of other inventors (kids and adults), and tools to help children explore their invention ideas.
Build-it-Yourself: Provides ideas for creative build-it-yourself projects for children to do with parent assistance. These projects include robots, gadgets, and mechanical toys.
Invention Dimension: Useful and fun-filled tool for learning about invention by playing invention games and exploring a wealth of inventor and invention resources, including profiles and patent guidelines.
About Inventors: An excellent source that includes many aspects of invention. Provides an insight into recent inventors, inventions of the year, and inventors who are kids. There are also resources and articles pertaining to inventors and links to other sites to continue learning about inventions.
Inventor Ed: Provides several topics on inventing from the History of Inventing to Inventing Safely. Other links lead to school invention sites and links contributed by educations.
Academy of Applied Science: Recognized nationally as an educational resource center offering enrichment programs for students, and professional development for teachers and educational administrators.
ExploraVision Awards: A competition for students of all interest, skill and ability levels in grades K-12. Encourages students to combine their imaginations with the tools of science to create and explore a vision of a future technology.
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