Invention Convention

One of my favorite times of the school year is the week of CRCT (the end-of-the-year test). *You may now remove your jaw from the floor and return it to its normal position.* I know it is a crazy and stressful week, but I like to look on the brighter side of death... er... life. :-) During this week, we have to be really careful about what we say and do in the classroom so as not to have a conflict of interest or whatever they call it. So during CRCT week, I do something with my 5th graders that I like to call the "Invention Convention." Using inspiration from social studies inventors and science techniques we have studied throughout the year, the students are placed into groups and asked to come up with a new invention that will make life better.

The students have four things to accomplish during the week:
1. Tell me what the invention is
2. Explain how it will make life better
3. Explain how the invention would work if it were to be made reality
4. Make a model of the invention to present to the class

Blogging could be beneficial in my Invention Convention lesson by allowing each group to write about steps 1-3 and get feedback from other student groups, parents, teachers, etc. Typing instead of pencil writing the required responses for items 1-3 can also serve as a modification for students with special needs. Each member of the group can type out each part of the assignment in separate blog entries to get more specific feedback.

I will definitely put this idea to use when the opportunity comes up this next school year. As the story unfolds, I will be sure to keep my dear fans... er... captive audience readers for grad school updated. :-) Any feedback is appreciated. I am never offended by anyone who is trying to help me become a better teacher.

Blessings,
-Mary Beth-