Inventions

Inventions is a Baby CTY course that looks at inventions such as the light bulb and microwave and how it is able to do the things it can do. This course is offered at:

First Session Only: Brooklandville, [[La Jolla] and San Mateo

Second Session Only: Alexandria

Both Sessions: Los Angeles (Windward) and [[Sandy Spring]

Course Description

From the CTY Summer Catalog:

Did you know that the idea for the microwave oven was set in motion by a melted chocolate bar? While standing in front of a magnetron, inventor Percy Spencer noticed that his treat had begun melting in his pocket. To further test the potential of the magnetron, Spencer held a bag of corn kernels next to it and watched them pop. From this simple experiment that led to the microwave oven to students’ own creations, this course is about inventors, inventions, and their impacts on our world.

How does a toaster work, and what might make it work better? How can a package be designed to mail a potato chip so that it doesn’t break? In this physical science course, students dismantle gadgets to figure out how things work. Using science knowledge such as an understanding of simple machines, they create their own new inventions. Students apply for mock patents, collaborate with their fellow inventors, keep an inventions journal, and work in teams to create hovercrafts or design more effective burglar alarms.

Throughout this process of inquiry, discovery, and problem solving, students explore not only the how and why of various discoveries and inventions, but also the impact they have had across the centuries. This integrated examination of inventions in our world offers young inventors a fuller understanding of the implications and promise of their creative imaginings.

Lab and Field Trip Fee: $95

Students must have completed grades: 3 or 4