Invention Convention

Students are first put into groups of 4. They are then given a basket of random items that I pick up from the local recycling warehouse. These items include: recycled CD's, mouse pads, and plastic cups, among others. Students must invent a product that 6th graders would like. This product must be made from the items that are in their baskets.

The creativity displayed by the students is incredible. Each product in the basket is assigned a price and students must calculate their total "cost" for making the product by also renting the space they use (classroom) as well as paying their workers (students). Essentially they are running a small business. Students that keep costs down have the best chance of making the most profit.

I then ask students to come up with a marketing campaign. Students are asked to create a 30 second commercial to promote their products. We use the Flipcam to film our commercials and then put the video online. We then ask every 6th grader in our school watch the video and vote for the one they like the most on-line. Each product sells for 10 dollars.

Once the voting is finished, students calculate their profits. This lesson is a great hands on lesson for middle school students! They love it!