Passion Prototype Slides 10-Day Invention Project
CLASSROOM CHALLENGE
Passion to Prototype
Pick something you love doing. Find one annoying problem with it. Invent a clever fix.
1. Love It
Choose your favorite hobby, sport, game, or art.
2. Spot It
Identify a real headache or hassle that bugs you.
3. Fix It
Sketch and explain your brand new invention.
Step 1: Pick a Passion
Days 1 - 2
What Annoys You About What You Love?
The best inventors don't start with complicated formulas. They start with everyday frustrations:
Gaming
Sweaty controller grip, tangled cables, thumbs slipping off thumbsticks.
Sports
Shin guards sliding down, goggles fogging up, water bottle tipping in the dirt.
Art & Craft
Markers drying out, paint smudging when hand rests on paper, brush rolling away.
Music
Losing guitar picks, music stand wobbling, headphone pads peeling off.
Your goal today: Pick ONE passion and write down 2-3 specific things that bug you.
Step 2: Quick Detective Work
Days 3 - 4
Be a Problem Detective
Before you invent a fix, spend 2 class periods figuring out why this problem happens and what exists right now.
1
Ask "Why?" 3 Times
Shin guard slips? Why? Elastic gets loose. Why? Sweat wears out the rubber. Now you know the real culprit: sweat and weak elastic!
2
Check What Exists
Search online for 15 minutes: Does someone sell a fix? What do customer reviews hate about it? (Too bulky? Too expensive?)
3
Ask a Friend
Interview one classmate who shares your hobby. Ask: "How do you deal with this? What would make your life easier?"
Quick research gives your invention real superpower!
Step 3: Invent Your Fix
Days 5 - 7
3 Fun Ways to Invent Something New
You don't need a PhD. Most cool inventions use simple creative tricks:
Mashup (X + Y)
Combine Two Tools
Put two unrelated items together. Example: A water bottle with a built-in magnetic phone holder or cooling mist fan.
Material Swap
Change What It's Made Of
Swap heavy metal for lightweight silicone, or scratchy plastic for breathable memory foam and washable fabric.
Fold & Go
Make It Portable
Make a bulky item fold up, clip onto a backpack, slide into a pocket, or adjust to fit any hand size.
Keep it realistic: Your invention must be something that could actually be built with today's materials!
Your Deliverables
Simple & Clear
What You Will Turn In
No 20-page papers! You will complete two simple sheets and give a quick classroom share:
Sheet 1
Passion Launchpad
Your chosen hobby, the 3-Whys investigation, and 1 friend interview quote.
Sheet 2
Invention Blueprint
A clear, labeled drawing of your invention with 3 parts pointed out and how it works.
Day 10
Invention Fair
A fun 2-minute show-and-tell with your classmates. Explain your sketch and answer questions!
Graded on effort, creativity, and clear thinking! 100% Doable in Class
10-Day Calendar
Classroom Pacing
Your 10-Day Game Plan
Days 1 - 2
Pick Passion
Choose your hobby & pinpoint what bugs you.
Days 3 - 4
Detective Work
Ask 3 Whys, interview a peer, see what's out there.
Days 5 - 7
Sketch & Plan
Draw your invention blueprint & label parts.
Days 8 - 10
Polish & Fair
Peer review, final touches, and class showcase!
All work is done right here in class together. Let's invent!
Passion to Prototype Project Have fun and think outside the box!
Passion Launchpad Handout Days 1 - 2 Activity PASSION TO PROTOTYPE
Passion & Problem Launchpad
Start with something you love, spot what's annoying about it, and define your challenge.
Student Name:
Date:
Class Period:
1
Brainstorm 2 Passions
Think about sports, video games, drawing, baking, music, skateboarding, coding, reading, or crafting. What do you spend hours doing?
Idea A: Favorite Activity
The Passion / Hobby:
Gear / Tools You Use:
What gets annoying or breaks?
Idea B: Favorite Activity
The Passion / Hobby:
Gear / Tools You Use:
What gets annoying or breaks?
2
Pick Your Focus & State the Problem
Circle Idea A or B above. Now, clearly describe the problem by completing the sentences below:
1. The passion I am focusing on is:
2. The specific annoying problem that happens is:
3. Why this matters (what gets ruined, wasted, or hurt?):
Passion to Prototype • Handout Part 1 Page 1 of 2
Days 3 - 4 Activity
Detective Work & Quick Research
Digging Deeper
3
The "3 Whys" Detective Chain
Don't just look at what happened on the surface. Ask "Why?" 3 times to find the real root cause!
The Problem:
Why #1?
Why #2?
Root Cause (#3):
4
Field Evidence
A. What exists right now?
What product or workaround do people currently use?
Why does it still fail or bother people?
B. Classmate / Friend Interview
Ask 1 person who also does this activity:
Person's Name:
What they told me about this problem:
Teacher Checkpoint: Ready to Invent!
Show this page to your teacher before starting your Invention Blueprint.
Approved By:
Passion to Prototype • Handout Part 2 Page 2 of 2
Design Proposal Blueprint Days 5 - 7 Deliverable INVENTION BLUEPRINT
My Invention Blueprint
Passion to Prototype Project
Invention Name:
Inventor Name:
Passion / Hobby:
A
The Elevator Pitch
In 1-2 sentences, what does your invention do, and how does it solve the problem you found?
B
Invention Sketch & Labeled Callouts
Label at least 3 key parts with arrows
Draw a clear diagram of your invention. Show it from the front or side. Draw arrows to label the important parts and write estimated measurements (e.g., length, height).
DIAGRAM CANVAS (DRAW IN PENCIL OR PEN) INCLUDE ARROWS & LABELS
Approximate Size: ____________________ Estimated Weight: ____________________
Passion to Prototype • Invention Blueprint Page 1 of 2
Days 7 - 8 Activity
Materials, Mechanics & Testing
Blueprint Part 2
C
What Is It Made Of? (Materials Breakdown)
List 3 main parts from your sketch and explain why you picked those materials (e.g., silicone, recycled plastic, aluminum, cotton mesh).
Part Name
Material Chosen
Why this material? (Strong, flexible, waterproof?)
D
How It Works in 3 Steps
Explain what happens when someone actually uses your invention:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
E
Testing Your Prototype
How would you test if your invention really works and doesn't break easily?
Classmate Review Stamp (Day 9) Reviewer Name: ____________________
[ ] Drawing is clear [ ] Solves the problem [ ] Ready for Fair!
Passion to Prototype • Invention Blueprint Page 2 of 2
Design Proposal Rubric Project Evaluation 20 POINTS TOTAL
Invention Project Rubric
Passion to Prototype
Student Name:
Invention Name:
Passion / Hobby:
Date:
Category
5 Pts • Great Job!
3-4 Pts • On Track
1-2 Pts • Keep Working
Pts
1. Passion & Problem Launchpad Sheet (Part 1)
Clearly describes a real hobby and pinpoints a specific, realistic frustration or flaw that bugs people.
Identifies a hobby and problem, but the problem description is a bit general or vague.
Hobby or problem is missing, unrealistic, or incomplete.
/ 5
2. Detective Work 3 Whys & Friend Quote
Asks "Why?" 3 times to find root cause; checks what already exists and includes a quote from a peer.
Completes the 3 Whys chain and notes an existing tool, with basic peer notes.
Skips the 3 Whys or missing the friend interview notes.
/ 5
3. Blueprint Sketch Diagram & Callouts
Neat drawing with at least 3 clear labeled arrows, realistic size estimates, and step-by-step use guide.
Drawing is understandable; labels 1-2 parts and explains basically how it works.
Drawing is rushed, missing labels, or hard to understand.
/ 5
4. Materials & Share Specs & 2-Min Share
Sensible materials chosen (realistic, not magical); confidently explains idea in class showcase.
Lists materials with simple reasons; participates in the class showcase.
Materials rely on impossible tech; reluctant to share idea.
/ 5
Score Breakdown
18 - 20 pts:Master Inventor
14 - 17 pts:Creative Builder
10 - 13 pts:Apprentice Maker
Below 10:Needs Revision
TOTAL: ____ / 20
Teacher Feedback & Praise: What went well + 1 cool idea
Passion to Prototype • Simple Grading Rubric Page 1 of 1
Passion Prototype Teacher Guide Teacher Guide 10-DAY IN-CLASS TIMELINE
Passion to Prototype Teacher Guide
100% In-Class Student Workflow
Project Overview:
Students take a personal passion, identify an everyday hassle or flaw, do quick detective work, and draft a labeled blueprint. Designed for 10 class periods (~45-50 min each) with zero take-home burden.
1 Day-by-Day Lesson Flow
Days 1 - 2: Passion & Pain
Action: Present Slides 1-2. Brainstorm hobbies and daily annoyances. Students complete Page 1 of the Passion Launchpad Handout and draft their problem sentence.
Days 3 - 4: Detective Work
Action: Present Slide 3. Complete the "3 Whys" chain. Give 15 mins for quick online research of existing fixes and 10 mins to interview a classmate. Teacher signs Checkpoint on Page 2.
Days 5 - 6: Blueprint Sketch
Action: Present Slide 4 (Mashup, Material Swap, Fold & Go). Distribute Invention Blueprint. Students draw their invention on Page 1 using rulers and pencil, labeling at least 3 parts.
Days 7 - 8: Materials & How It Works
Action: Students complete Page 2 of the Blueprint: list the 3 main materials, describe how it works in 3 easy steps, and explain how they would test it.
Day 9: Peer Stamp & Polish
Action: Pair students to review each other's blueprints and fill out the Peer Review Stamp. Students add color/markers to sketches and practice their 2-minute share.
Day 10: Invention Fair!
Action: Host a classroom showcase! Students display their blueprints and give a 2-minute elevator pitch to their peers. Score quickly with the 20-point rubric.
Simple Classroom Supplies Needed:
• Printed Handout (Pages 1 & 2)
• Printed Invention Blueprint (Pages 1 & 2)
• Rulers, pencils & colored pencils/markers
• 1-page Rubric for grading on Day 10
Passion to Prototype • Teacher Guide Page 1 of 2
Teacher Facilitation Tips
Coaching & Showcase Guide
Classroom Support
2 How to Help Stuck Students (Quick Scripts)
"I don't have any hobbies or passions."
Say: "What did you do last Saturday between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM? Did you play Minecraft? Cook ramen? Watch YouTube? Ride a bike? Sleep? Even sleeping or snacking has gear and hassles like pillows getting hot or crumbs in blankets!"
"My invention uses magic or time travel."
Say: "Love the imagination! Let's ground it: What does the time machine fix? Fixing a mistake? What if you invented an auto-rewind camera clip for your skateboard instead?"
