Invention Conventions: Invent a Better World! (High Ability Learners)
In this 8-session course, high ability students will design their own invention prototypes after exploring other kid inventions, and the process through which inventions and innovations are imagined.
Heather Hinze, Ed. S.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(327)
What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Your student will love this class- I've taught it for years and gifted kids love learning about inventions! This course is challenging, as it is designed for high ability learners who typically perform beyond grade-level expectations. In this class, we will learn about inventions and innovations, including the following topics: * session 1: the difference between inventions and innovations & identifying problems that need solving * session 2: kid inventions & inventions that happened by accident * session 3: wacky inventions & evaluating the usefulness of inventions/innovations * session 4: recipes and formulas (create your own original cookie recipe & bake it for homework!) * session 5: resiliency (stick-to-it!) & the SCAMPER technique * session 6: designing prototypes & making modifications/improvements * session 7: building invention prototypes * session 8: Prototype showcase! Show off and discuss each student's invention! I believe in flexibility, and allowing student interest and questioning to guide the course. Therefore, this is an estimation of how time will be spent: 5 minutes: share time- everyone deserves a turn to be heard! 10 minutes: lecture/ reading activity 15 minutes: critical thinking/discussion activity 15 minutes: learner brainstorm activity: applying what you've learned 5 minutes: wrap-up and homework It is very important to me that students have an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging and community. My primary goal in offering this course is to allow your student to learn something while getting to interact with true peers. While the course will encourage critical thinking, evaluating with a set of given criteria, note-taking, brainstorming, the design process, and other curricular skills, I am most interested in encouraging socialization and a joy of learning among high ability learners. I will always stay an extra 5-10 minutes to help a struggling student when it is needed! I am also very comfortable working with twice-exceptional children, but please let me know in advance how I can best assist to minimize frustration and maximize learning!
Other Details
Supply List
notebook & pencil various household items (for creation of prototype)- cardboard and tape is often useful various ingredients (for creating an original cookie as homework) handouts (provided after registration)
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
4.9
327reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Update: I will be taking a short teaching break for a few months, but I'll be back in June!
I am passionate about providing challenging and motivating curriculum to gifted, talented, and high- ability learners. I love to teach thematically, and some of my favorite topics include spies, ancient Egypt, Rube Goldberg machines, architecture, archaeology, poetry, psychology, philosophy, and about a million other topics. Essentially, I enjoy teaching anything that makes my kiddos really 'light up'.
My educational degrees include: Bachelor of Science- Elementary education; Master of Arts- Gifted Education; Educational Specialist- Educational Technology. I hold three teaching certificates: Early Childhood, birth-3rd grade; Elementary 1-6; Gifted K-12. I've taught 15 years in private, public, and charter schools. I found my "forever home" in my current district, where I have been teaching gifted youth in grades 1-8 for the past 8 years.
"I feel safe here." If nothing else, I want my students to experience a sense of community and belonging, and to feel comfortable to be their true selves while in my class. That is the lens through which I design every lecture, game, video, quest, worksheet, web link, or activity. My students pride themselves on "embracing" their "inner nerd", and we delight in learning together without fear of judgment or reproach. It is safe to make mistakes in my class, it's okay to laugh at ourselves, and it's wonderful to take risks, even when they lead to failure- because that's how we grow.
When I'm not teaching I like to swim, hike, travel, ballroom dance, and socialize with friends and neighbors on my back patio. I spend much of my free time with my husband and son.
I am truly looking forward to working with your student and sharing my love of learning. I am confident that your kiddo will have a very positive experience in my class!Reviews
Live Group Class
$96
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 75 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-9
4-15 learners per class
This class is no longer offered
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