Fran Scott discovers how inspiration for an invention can be drawn from everyday problems.
She meets the young inventors of two products that have helped solved common problems.
Fran meets Mark Wemyss-Holden, who invented the ‘isosketch’, which helps people draw 3D shapes, and Jyoti Chadda and Monique Anderson, who invented a handy nail painting mat.
This clip is from the series You Too Can Be an Absolute Genius.
Teacher Notes
Using the clip as a stimulus, students could work in groups to pinpoint problems they face in everyday life.
They should then discuss which they feel can be addressed, and how.
These ideas should be presented to the whole of the class before voting is carried out to decide on the best ideas.
This could be used as a simple exercise in generating and sharing ideas, or could be continued into a longer design and manufacture project for a real product.
Curriculum Notes
This clip is suitable for teaching Design & Technology at KS2 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 2nd level in Scotland.
More from You Too Can Be an Absolute Genius:
Developing ideas for inventions. video
Fran interviews inventors about the importance of producing prototypes and developing their designs.
Testing inventions. video
Fran meets inventor Yusuf Muhammad who discusses the importance of a trial with real people to find any flaws in the prototype.
The importance of persistence when inventing. video
Fran meets inventor Dan Watson and looks at the importance being persistent with your invention and not giving up.
What is an invention? video
Fran Scott speaks to young inventors of a teacup-style bathroom plug and a shark-skin swimsuit about how they developed their ideas.
What is an inventor like? video
Fran and the inventors she meets describe what they think of when they hear the word 'inventor'.
What makes a good inventor? video
Fran looks at what makes a good inventor. She meets Sam and Benjamin, who show her one of their inventions.
