Scientific Inventions

Introduction

All inventions involve the application of one or more principles of Science. When we put Science to use and make something useful it is called technology. The processes of photography and publishing provide excellent examples. The camera, computer, the word-processing software, the keyboard and the screen are all scientific inventions. The photocopier, the paper and the ink also involve technology. In fact when you think about your daily life you are surrounded by scientific inventions. The food you eat, the clothes you wear, your home and your sport all provide excellent examples.

Your task

In this activity you need to use a variety of resources to research gather and present information about a particular invention. This needs to be a particular application of Science. For example a motor car is not a single invention. Electric lights, rubber tyres, the motor, seat belts and computers are all separate inventions.

You must arrange your information clearly under the following headings:

The reasons for developing the invention
Any prototypes or problems
The materials used
An illustration of the invention and explanation of how it works
The scientific principle(s) involved
Any long or short term environmental problems it creates

Resources

You can use a variety of resources including the Internet, CD ROMs encyclopedias, other books or magazines.

Your report

You should present your report on paper or as a poster. If you are confident you may use a word processing package to help display your information.

Your teacher will explain how your work will be assessed and when your report is due.

Length 400 words Marks Due Date