How-to Writing: My Great Invention!

     "First, second, next, then, after that, finally...." All of these words naturally guide readers to understanding the steps in directions or in picturing actions in the correct order in their minds.  Guide words are important, but adjectives are as well.  To practice these important concepts, the students created an amazing invention in their imaginations.  They drew it, then described precisely how it would work.  Add in an introduction and a conclusion, and we had ourselves awesome "how to" essays!  Enjoy these samples across the grades!

                                                           "Fish Legs," by Bobby (5th grade)

     If I could create anything in the world, I would create "Fish Legs."  Have you ever looked at your fish and it looked bored?  Well, you can change that, because you can take your fish on a walk!

     When you get your own fish walker machine, the first thing you want to do is fill the bowl with water.  Second, place a can of fish food in the fish food holder.  Whenever the fish gets hungry, the machine pours food into the bowl.  Third, flip the "on" switch underneath the bowl.  Fourth, carefully place your fish into the bowl.  Fifth, connect the leash that comes with the Fish Legs to the bowl and enjoy your walk!

     You can click a button on the leash to turn the legs into wheels.  Also, the fish bowl is made of bullet proof glass, so your little friend doesn't get hurt.

    

     Your fish has been stuck in your bedroom his whole life.  He deserves some fresh air!

                                                The Carbon Sucker, by Nirav (5th grade)

       Do you really want Earth to become a lifeless ocean? I don’t think so. To prevent this from happening, use the invention I want to make: the Carbon Sucker. The Carbon Sucker inhales air, separates the carbon dioxide and hydrogen from other stuff, and uses them to make oil in a way that doesn’t harm nature.

To use, first put Filter 1 in the small slit between the vacuum and filter 2. In other words, slide it between the upside down cone and the spring. Then, press a green button to turn on the vacuum and filter 2. The vacuum will suck in 25 cubic pounds of air per minute. As the air goes through filter 1, particles of dust will get left behind. Make sure to clean filter 1 after use by washing it with cold water and using a towel to dry. As the air passes through filter 2, the hydrogen and carbon dioxide are separated from the rest of the elements automatically. You might see a mist as the rest of the elements are sent back to the atmosphere via the funnel. When the Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen enter the storage area, you will see a gauge move towards full. This tells you how much of the elements is being stored. When the gauge is at roughly half, press the red button to turn off the vacuum. Then, turn the valve with your hands to send carbon dioxide and hydrogen to the oil combustion chamber. There, you press a blue button to cause the carbon dioxide to split into a carbon molecule and two oxygen molecules. The oxygen is sent into the air with another funnel, while the carbon and hydrogen is fused together to create oil. Meanwhile, get some of the 50 liter canisters included. Twist the caps off the canister and put it under the tap. Turn a handle to switch on the tap, and oil will flow into the canisters. Once that is finished, store canisters in a place away from anything flammable. When ready for use, unscrew the cap and fit in the funnel. Use the funnel to slowly pour oil into your car. And then, once you are out of oil, repeat the process.

While sucking carbon dioxide helps reverse climate change, using it to make oil cuts unnecessary emissions and saves you the time and energy of taking your car to the garage for an oil change. And now, everyone can live happily, knowing that the air quality is very good!

                                                            My Great Invention! 

                                                                by Liberty (4th grade)

If I were a great inventor, I would invent an “Anything Cube”. This invention would allow you to pull anything out, even a human being or a house!

“The “Anything Cube” would be easy to use. First, you would double click on the screen and a keyboard would pop up. Next, you would type what you want on the keyboard. Then, you make sure it is “appropriate” or “the right size”. If it is, continue to the next step. If it is not the right size, click the “GROW” button and your cube will grow to be a bit bigger than the size of your object. Be careful if you are doing this step indoors. After that,  a door will open up, and you reach in and pull/roll (it will be on wheels if it is really heavy) your desired item out. If it is not appropriate, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT ITEM?!?!?! (such as a cigarette or guns for bad people, or something else bad. Although, weapons to the army would be allowed.)                                                                                                             

My invention would help people who are poor, work in the army, live in a poor country, don’t have food or clean water, or any person who really wants something. It could provide  people a tent, food or water. If they work in the army, it could help them by pulling out a medic!

 The “Anything cube” comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors.The original is a 4 inch by 4 inch by 4 inch cube. It is black with blue on the edges. Although, you can customize your color and shape to be anything you’d like!

 I think my “Anything Cube” would be amazing and helpful!