The teacher will provide guidance for each challenge. This course pulls heavily from ideas found in Ruth Kassinger's books "Build a Better Mousetrap" and "Reinvent the Wheel." I highly recommend both books as a part of a learner's library but they are not required for the course. All invention challenges can be completed using supplies readily available at home. You can also find supplies at most grocery stores and hardware stores. No invention challenge should require more than $5 worth of supplies. If you have trouble locating particular supplies, let me know and I'm happy to help. Students should have access to a digital camera to document their projects in process.

A considerable portion of class time involves students sharing their previous week's project and explaining the physics concepts at work. For the richest experience possible, please help your student schedule time to complete the weekly design challenge.