Resource
Group Invention Challenge
Design one useful invention by combining different team ideas. Includes a two-page A4 printable, specific educator guidance, adaptations and a cut-off quick-reference card.
Ready for a real OSHC session
Preview both printable pages
Download 2-page practical printableCheck the preview, printing notes and licence before use.
When this resource is useful
The page structures a shared design discussion and gives drawing, explaining, organising and testing equal value.
What children do
Choose a user and practical problem, sketch several features, then combine only the features that work together.
Materials and preparation
Materials: Printed pages and pencils; use only the optional ordinary materials named on the page.
Allow about 2 minutes to print and place the resource. The activity itself usually takes 40 minutes and can pause when the group needs to transition.
Run the activity
Invite individual thumbnails first, then select and combine features. Build only if suitable materials and time are available.
The child-facing prompts are:
- Who will use it?
- What exact task must it do?
- Which three parts are essential?
- How does the user control it?
- What could go wrong?
- How will a tester try it?
- Which feature changed after feedback?
- What materials would a model need?
Adapt participation
Simpler way to join: Choose from two user cards and arrange pre-drawn parts.
More challenge: Add a cost, size, energy or accessibility constraint.
Children may draw, dictate, point, work beside a peer, observe or join later. Start, Explore and Extend labels describe task routes, not children.
Extend the idea
- Make a labelled cardboard model.
- Write a thirty-second user explanation.
Safety and privacy
Use only service-approved tools and do not build devices involving heat, mains power or projectiles.
Learning opportunities
Look for collaboration, communication, fair participation and shared problem-solving. Record what children choose, explain, test or revise rather than treating completion as proof of learning.
Checking an open-ended response
There is no single required answer. A useful response follows the printed condition and can be explained, demonstrated or revised by the child.
Printing notes
Print at actual size on A4 paper. Page one is child-facing. Page two contains educator guidance and a dashed cut-off reference card that can be kept with the activity or laminated.
