Fran Scott interviews inventors about the importance of producing prototypes and developing their designs.
She meets Emily Cummins in her garden shed to discuss some of her sustainable inventions, which include a water carrier and a fridge that does not need any power.
Rob Smith also takes Fran through the process he used to develop a gripping aid.
This clip is from the series You Too Can Be an Absolute Genius.
Teacher Notes
The class could produce designs for products that would be useful in the developing world.
Students could research life in a particular country or area, perhaps through an existing twinned-school, or through a visit from a representative of a local charity that works in a less economically developed country.
The class should inform their ideas by considering what the daily needs and wants of people are, as well as some of the limitations (access to clean water, electricity and other factors).
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:
Inspiration for inventions. video
Fran meets the young inventors of two products that have helped solved common everyday problems.
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.
