In this 4-session course (which can be retaken for ongoing support), students are guided by the instructor as they explore the fields of invention and scientific research. Students learn about the invention design process and the scientific method, investigating the connections between posing research questions and developing new products. Students are introduced to opportunities to share their work publicly, including The Invention Convention (open to grades K-12) by studying projects developed by other kids. They are encouraged to keep an Invention Journal and to develop their own ideas through the processes of ideation/brainstorming, preliminary research, prototyping/experimentation and presentation. The course is structured as follows:

Session 1: We will review the Invention and Science Research process, including brainstorming, identifying problems, asking questions, preliminary research, initial design and prototyping. We'll study examples together and students will have the option of developing 1-3 idea topics of their own choosing (or working on a exploration topic provided by the instructor). Students will start documenting their ideas and progress in their Invention and Science Research Logbook.

Session 2: We'll share ideas, help students refine their concepts and select one project to develop further. This session will focus on how to conduct research on ideas to find background information and to learn whether the idea has already been explored by others. This does not preclude continuing to work on the idea, but may shape variations and new avenues for the student's concept. We'll also discuss scientific research design, including isolating variables and creating control groups. Students will start defining their project and come up with a prototyping proposal for the next session. 

Session 3: We'll share student work, and then discuss the prototyping and implementation stage. By looking at two case studies, we'll see how previous inventors and researchers have overcome obstacles and unexpected results. We'll provide feedback on each student's plan for prototyping and implementation. 

Session 4: Students will share their initial prototypes and/or experimental results. We'll discuss the iterative development process and encourage students to continue exploring and developing their projects further. Students who are interested in submitting their project to a competition will be guided with submission instructions and details on the remaining preparation steps for their project submission. 

This project-based Invention & Science Research Course aims to provide a positive and validating environment for students to discuss their own ideas and imagine themselves in the fields of invention and science. Students are supported to share their ideas and development process with the group on a weekly basis. The course provides a positive framework for guiding students to develop their own invention and research ideas. Students may enroll in the course more than once to continue developing their ideas further.