My Great Invention!

 If you could create a new invention to improve your own life, the life of your community, or the world, what would it be?  Students got very creative with this "how to" assignment.  Their job was to create an invention, and then using guide words and clear direction verbs, tell us exactly how their invention would work.  The "Budding" classes were to write one long paragraph, and the "Awesome" classes wrote three paragraphs: an intro, a clear "how to" body paragraph, and a snappy conclusion.  Enjoy these samples across the grades!

The Teacher Calmer Downer, by Emily (1st grade)

        If I were a great inventor, I would invent a "Teacher Calmer Downer."  It would calm down the teacher on a hard day.  First, you get a microwave.  Nexxt, you get whatever food you want.  Then, you get a lounge chair.  Finally, you can press a blue button, and it will all turn on and calm down the teacher.  This invention is free for all teachers!  I think my invention is fantastic.

(Me too, Emily! ~Mrs. Huff, after a particularly challenging day)

Animal Bodychanger XP, by Chuyu (3rd grade)

               If I could create a new invention,it would be the Animal Bodychanger Xp. Have you ever wondered what it would feel to be an animal? Then this is the thing for you!

                 The Animal Bodychanger XP is easy to use. First, turn on the device  by pulling the blue lever up ⬆️.Similarly pull the green lever to the left. Second, press the button of  the picture of the animal you want to be which is blue. You can also type your custom animal’s description. It could become anything you want, from a minuscule  elephant to giant beetleand everything in between! Then take the pill from the purple hand in the top middle of the machine. After that,  eat the very tasty pill that is different colors.

When you want to turn back to a human, just press the button opposite of the first button when you wanted to choose your animal.

                 Now you can can experience what it’s like to be any animal, from an ant to an alligator!  Imagine what it would be like to be an animal in the wild, and use the Bodychanger XP to bring your imagination to life!           

Hyper-Glasses! by Titus (4th grade)

If I could create an invention, I would produce the Hyper Glasses™! They magnify, translate, and protect your eyes all in one! 

These glasses have multiple colors, which are red, blue, purple, orange, and gray. They also have three buttons: green and red, and black. To use them, you must simply put the glasses on, then click the green button. The green button turns the glasses on or off, while the red button changes the mode. Also, the glasses’ battery life is ten hours when it is being actively used. There are four modes: Magnify, Relax, Movie, or Translate. Magnification makes things appear closer on your side, so you don't have to squint to see objects or animals. Movie mode reduces the exposure from blue light to your eyes by 82%-88%, depending on multiple factors. They also render things that have too few pixels, so you can always view the best quality! Translation translates foreign languages into whatever language you set it to in settings. You can turn on settings by holding on the red button for ten seconds. Finally, Relaxation mode mildly vibrates the sides of your glasses, acting like a massage.

Next time you want to watch anything, study, relax, or read foreign languages, these glasses are the way to go!

The Pollution Destroyer, by Max (5th grade)

    If I could create a new invention, it would be the "Pollution Destroyer." Wouldn't you like to see pollution go away in a flash? Even if this was possible, it would be extremely hard. My invention wouldn't only do this, but it would do it quickly.

    The "Pollution Destroyer" would be easy to use. Just look out, and when you see pollution engulfing places in the world, get the "Pollution Destroyer." The "Pollution Destroyer" is a dolphin, and sucks pollution out of the air and water. When you get it, place it in the water. You have a controller to control the dolphin, but you can put it on auto mode. The air the dolphin breaths is filtered. The water around it also gets filtered. 10% of the world's pollution gets destroyed every minute. When you think the pollution is mostly taken away, you can press a button on the controller for it to return to your location. It has little robotic legs to walk to you if you're on land. If you see any rising of pollution, you can put it back in. It has solar panels, so it charges automatically. Now, you don't have to worry about pollution!

        Thanks to the futuristic and improved technology in this creature, pollution will quickly subside. The "Pollution Destroyer" will turn any world into a shining new place. Now, your beaches will be blue and beautiful for the rest of your life!

The Drivers Ed Headband, by Arielle (6th grade)

        If I could create an invention, it would be the "Drivers Ed Headband."  How many parents out there are worried every time your child touches a steering wheel?  My invention would take away all of your stress and worry.

        The "Drivers Ed Headband" is very easy to use.  First, when your teenages is about to go driving, make sure they are wearing the headband.  Then enter the type of driving you are are doing.  There will be these options: "Freeway Driving," "Highway Driving," "Residential neighborhoods," "School Zones," and there will also be an option to type your own.  After you select the type of driving, press the Enter button, and wait for the next five minutes as knowledge is downloading into your brain.  Now, you will have every bit of information you need for driving.

        Now, boys also need to learn to drive, but they don't usually wear headbands.  So instead of headbands, there is also a hat that both genders can use.  The headbands and baseball hats come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

        So now make worrying about your teen driving a thing of the past.  Look out Drivers Ed School!  The "Drivers Ed Headband" is coming for you!

Persuasive Writing: Amazing Inventions!

 To celebrate Thomas Edison's birthday, students were asked to come up with an invention they thought could change the world for the better.  To convince the reader that this invention is an absolute necessity (and perhaps even possible!), they had to write a five paragraph essay outlined like this:

I. Brief Intro on the invention, perhaps including a scenario or hypothetical question

II. More detail on how the invention would work

III. Whom this invention would benefit

IV. Extra details (cost, size, various options)

V. A conclusion sentence with a snappy "sell it" sentence.

Enjoy these samples!  I bet you'll want to buy these inventions to have for yourself!

 CancerCancelator2000

By Adeline (4th grade)

If I could create a new invention, it would be the “CancerCancelator2000.” My invention would be able to cure cancer using a laser, and you would save a lot of money doing it. Then cancer patients wouldn’t have to worry.

The “CancerCancelator2000” would be easy to use. It is a two inch long device, and if you press the on/off button, it turns on or off. If you press the yellow button, a dark blue laser shoots out. When you aim it at the cancer patient, the tumor will disappear, and they will be healthy again.. 

This invention would help cancer patients. If they are sick, they will get better. Doctors are helpless in curing cancer. This invention will make things easier and will save a trip to the hospital. 

The “CancerCancelator2000” comes in any color, and is only $11.99. Returns are allowed, but you won’t need to return it because this invention is so helpful. The “CancerCancelator2000” is very obliging and will help you save money. When it cures the person, confetti shoots out to celebrate! This will make the cure even more exciting. 

This invention will help many people and hospitals. And it is not expensive. Buy it to cure cancer!

"The Personal Temperature/Weather Control," by Jayden (5th grade)

If I could create a new invention, it would be the ‘Personal Temperature/Weather Control™’. Have you ever overheated in a greenhouse on the equator or hypotherminated on the North Pole? Or maybe just wanted to change the weather for your own well-being? Well, there isn’t any way to control the natural weather, but you can control your own personal weather/temperature with this new invention!

All you need to do to use the Personal Temperature/Weather Control™ is to push the power button. Because your neurons communicate with electrical signals, the Personal Temperature/Weather Control™ can detect them. Using a lot of AI training, it can detect what you are thinking. After this stupendous invention reads your mind, it automatically changes your personal weather/temperature to what you want. You sense the whole world as it would be if it were the weather/temperature that you want. For example, you could be in a snowstorm but want a sunny, warm, but not too hot day. You think, “I WANT A SUNNY, WARM, BUT NOT TOO HOT DAY!!!” The Personal Temperature/Weather Control™ then reads this and changes your weather to a sunny, warm, but not too hot day. This means you can see no snow at all, feel it, or interact with it, but instead feel and interact with a sunny, warm, not too hot day. This invention does not affect any other people’s senses or weather(for anybody who is absurdly evil and wants to control the whole world’s weather).

This invention would help people who like outdoor spaces, but hate the weather. Also, people who live in extremes could use this, for THEY could definitely live at the North Pole or in a greenhouse on the equator. And everyone has experienced guessing wrong with the daily weather, or ignoring the forecast altogether.

The regular price of the Personal Temperature/Weather Control™ is $50. If you want others to see your weather (maybe on a very bad day), you can get that version, which costs $10 more. Also, you can switch it off if you want your weather to be private. Another option is the tints modification, which can give your world any color tint. This costs $10 more. The last version you can get is the day/night version, which costs $15 more. These additions are all stackable.

Everybody has experienced a situation where they hoped that winter was warmer or that summer was cooler. By using the Personal Temperature/Weather Control™, every single aspect of the unreliable, natural weather could be changed into a blissful, realistic version of the earth!

 The Lost and Found KeyChain

 by Jessie (5th grade)

Have you ever lost something and felt depressed about it? My newest invention, “The Lost and Found KeyChain.” will fix that. A “Lost and Found KeyChain” is a small convertible keychain that when you click a button, your lost object, as stated in the name, will be found.

This Lost and Found KeyChain would be extremely simple to use. First, when the owner of this keychain realizes they have misplaced an object, they would simply take out their keychain and press the a button. Take into consideration that there are two buttons: the blue one is for finding a person, and the purple one is for finding an object. After pushing the a button, make sure to say what you want to find, or else your KeyChain will give you everything anyone has lost. Thanks to the mechanical functioning in the KeyChain, your lost objects won’t be lost for long.

This creation will help all the kids or grown-ups find their lost objects. The sadness in your mind for losing something valuable to you will soon be replaced with the joy of getting it back. A lost cell-phone, Apple Pencil, water bottle or even sibling at a busy amusement park, will all be solved with my creation. But the “The Lost and Foundkeychain” does not only specialize in finding objects, it also helps find people!  For example, have you ever seen a parent running around, terrified trying to find their kid?  Well this little piece of backpack decor will fix it all up. “The Lost and Found KeyChain” would save so much money otherwise spent replacing important objects, with just a push of a colorful button.

For only  $4.99, the “Lost and Found KeyChain” not only provides you with the joy of finding a lost object or person, but so much more. This keychain can come in customized colors of your pick on a website for free. From red to purple, and gold to silver, this KeyChain can also come in the form of a bracelet, necklace, headband, choker and even anklet. 

The Lost and Found KeyChain can help even the clumsiest person find their lost objects. Next time you wish upon a star to find your lost object, you know that you can just wish upon a The Lost and Found KeyChain.

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!

                           

Great Inventions!

     After our study of Thomas Edison, we wrote 5-paragraph essays describing an invention we came up with ourselves!  I love witnessing the students' growth in this project over the years.  Many times, they start off as younger students with quite self-centered inventions, but as they get older, they create inventions that will help the world!  I hope we can see these inventions come to reality in my lifetime!  
     How did these amazing essays come to be?  The following outline:
1. Name your product and briefly describe it
2. Greater detail about how your product works
3. Whom it would help
4. Cool features and extra details
5. An awesome conclusion with a "sell it" sentence at the end

                                                   The Provision Provider, by Claire (5th grade)

Many of us have dreamed of inventing different objects that might just change the world forever. I am one of the many. Poverty has grown to be a serious issue in this world, and my invention would benefit this situation. This particular invention is called “The Provision Provider”, and it would provide supplies for survival and thrival when you do not have a home or a place to go at night when the day is done.

This useful invention appears to be an everyday briefcase on the outside, though it withholds wonders on the inside. It contains a collapsible tent which can be set up in any location for shelter along with sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets. Upon the pressing of a button, a secret compartment opens to show a bag of unlimited food and a bottle of unlimited clean, fresh water. Another one of the many resources this helpful invention provides is a kit of basic medical care treatment. Common medical objects such as band-aids, basic medicines, bandages, and ice packs are included in the kit as well as fresh, clean clothes that will forever replenish. Additionally, this briefcase would give each of its clients a manual to help train them in different jobs. Also listed inside the manual are business contacts and employers to assist clients in finding careers and to get them back on their feet. For children, there are also little toys and stuffed animals along with education fees for school. 

This invention would help much of our population, decreasing the rates of poverty and homelessness in all parts of the world. We would have a better economy, with more people working, and the entire population of Earth could thrive, instead of simply a handful of fortunate ones.  

Every human being on this planet would be able to afford one of these, as they do not cost any money, though the magic only works for ones who are truly in need. For the rest of us, this invention acts like a regular briefcase. Special features such as a shower, a tiny, collapsable house, and pre-paid doctor’s bills cost only five dollars together. This invention would be available in market stands all around the world for anybody. It would be sold with different options of briefcase colors/patterns, blanket colors/patterns, pillow colors/patterns, tent colors/patterns, etc. and toy varieties. 

This wonderful invention is sure to benefit people of all ages and status. End a dark, cold, and gloomy life in the alleyways today. Purchase the Provision Provider and improve lives with one single briefcase!

My Invention: Corona Candy

by Lia (6th grade)

Recently, our lives have been drastically changed by the deadly coronavirus.  Because of this, scientists are scrambling to make an effective, yet delicious medicine to cure it.  This newly created Corona Candy instantly removes the vicious germs, leaving the patients healthy and strong.

This Corona Candy would not only be much less painful than a shot and much better-tasting than a pill, but would also have no additional side effects.  Corona Candy uses a special mixture of Ruthenium and Zirconium stirred at exactly 42.76 degrees Fahrenheit.  This results in a sponge-like chemical reaction that takes away only the malignant, harmful germs, yet leaving the thriving cells perfectly intact.

Corona Candy will help the many people around the world who have the horrible coronavirus.  This quick cure will lead to a once-again prosperous country.

Coming in many different sized boxes, Corona Candy comes in packages large enough for a whole country.  Its cheap cost at $1 for twelve gummies makes it accessible to all.

Our world is in dire need of help because of this new and hazardous pandemic. Eat a sweet treat for a simple cure!

A Wonderful Peppermint Stick, by Marissa (5th grade)

Have you ever heard an animal make their animal sound, and then wonder what it is saying? Now thanks to this wonderful peppermint you will be able to talk to them!  Just think of an animal and take a suck.  Alacazam, Alakazoo, your wish will come  true!

    This magical power is easy to get when you use this invention.  First,think of an animal. Then with that animal in your head, just take a suck of the peppermint stick.  Next, try and speak to the animal you were thinking of.  You will end up talking and understanding its language.  Just remember: one suck lasts thirty minutes.  

    This amazing invention would help veterinarians and zookeepers understand their patients. This would also be fun entertainment for anyone who has a pet, is visiting the zoo, or taking a nature walk.  .  Want to know what a dog’s bark means?  Easy! What do cats mean when they roll over and meow?  Now you’ll know! A little itty bitty ant? Sure you can talk to it, but make sure not to step on it.   Giagantor Dinosaur? If they still existed, yep! You would have the power to talk to any animal.

    This peppermint costs only $14.99.  The price is $50 for a pack of five sticks.  For veterinarians and zookeepers, this invention would be free! This peppermint stick also comes in any flavor popsicle, for anyone who doesn’t care for a minty flavor.  There is one more amazing feature of this invention: if you feed it to your pet, they can speak human for thirty minutes!

    This peppermint stick can turn anyone into a polyglot. Next time you wonder what an animal is saying, pop a peppermint stick in your mouth and talk to them to find out for yourself!

Our Greatest Inventions!

     After studying Thomas Edison and his greatest inventions, the students got to invent their own amazing new product!  The "Budding" class wrote one paragraph describing their inventions.  The "Awesome" class wrote a five paragraph essay, after outlining:
~a title and brief description
~how their invention would work
~whom it would help
~any interesting features/cost
~a fabulous "sell it" conclusion

     Here are a few of my favorites across the grades!

The Positive Attituder, by Lucy (6th grade)

     What do you see when you look at a city?  You see busy people who claim they don't have time, but somehow they find the time to complain.  "The Positive Attituder" will prevent these cities from moaning!  All you have to do is put these magical earphones on your head and fall asleep.  It will create a positive idea about the day ahead.

     This phenomenal and easy machine gives you a Can-Do attitude.  All you do is put the otherworldly machine over your ears.  It plays soft music to lull you to sleep, and once you are asleep, a soothing voice whispers encouraging thoughts into your worthy mind.  Then, the next day, you are ready to seize the day!

     This wouldn't just help busy, city people.  This invention aims high to help any stressed person.

     Anyone can get different designs to go on these supernatural earphones.  It only costs an undemanding price of $9.99, so it can be affordable for any occupied and thwarted person.  The size is also adjustable for any head.

     With "The Positive Attituder," anyone can be successful.  They can also be inspired to make other beneficial inventions to help improve others' lives!

     The Insta-Print, by Ethan (5th grade)

     Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847.  He was a great American inventor who made the light bulb.  Thomas Edison's light bulb changed the industrial world.  This new machine called the Insta-Print will change the world forever, too!

     Have you ever heard a student say, "Ugh!  I'm done with my rough draft, but now I have to write a final copy."  Or, "I don't have enough ink to make then copies.  I wish I had a printer that doesn't use any ink."  Or, "I wish printers didn't have cords, didn't malfunction, and I also wish printers were easy to set up."  With the Insta-Print, these complaints will never be said again!

     The Insta-Print is very easy to use.  First, write your notes, essays, or draw a drawing.  Next, choose your paper type, color, and size.  Then, choose black and white, or color.  Fourth, push "print," and wait five seconds.  Then, the thing you want to print will be printed!

     This invention would help 1st-12th graders most.  But this invention can help artists, authors, or anyone who wants to write a paper only once!

     The Insta-Print is only $34.99 and is available on Amazon, Prime-Now, and EZ Buy.  It is also available in retail stores like Target, Walmart, Costco, and Safeway.  The Insta-Print comes in fifteen modern colors.  It can fold up and fit in your pocket!  This Insta-Print is different from a printer because the Insta-Print does not need ink, and is cordless.  You might think, "Then I guess it needs batteries instead of cords."  If you thought that, you are wrong!  It does not need batteries!  The Insta-Print is easy to set up as well.  It's perfect!

     Next time, when you need an essay or school paper, it will be PERFECTLY easy!

Painless Teeth Toothbrush and Toothpaste Set, by Sasha (4th grade)

     Don't you want your wiggly teeth to come out painlessly?  Well, buy the Painless Teeth Toothbrush and Toothpaste.  It makes your loose teeth come out without any discomfort.

     The Painless Teeth products are easy to use.  You put the toothpaste on the brush and brush your teeth.  It will not make all of your teeth come out.  It works for loose and wiggly teeth only.  You wait one minute, and the tooth falls out painlessly.

     This invention would help millions of kids all over the world.  No more hurting teeth?  That would be heaven!  If you're a parent, wouldn't it be nice to not have a screaming child yelling at you when you are trying to pull out their loose teeth?

     You can get this product in any color.  One dollar less if you get it in blue.  One dollar more if you get it pink.  You can customize the color and the flavor!

     Never have painful loose teeth again!

The Book Jumper, by Daniella (4th grade)

            How many times have you ever wanted to play a character in a book? Well the Book Jumper is for you!

       These are the easy steps which you have to follow to make the Book Jumper work. You would get the book and it would scan your face. This screen would appear with a keyboard next to the screen. Next you would type in the name of the book you want to go into, and the character's name you desire to play. You would open the book to find a whirling tornado. It would cover most of the room. You would do the biggest jump you can imagine. Then you would find yourself spinning in every direction. Finally, you could see the setting of the book. You get to play the character you chose for the whole year.

This invention would help all book lovers because you can get to know the book better and you can experience all of the feelings that the character has. It would also help the Authors of the book because all the people who go in the book would give feedback to the Author.

This invention has many cool facts. There’s no cost, and the book jumper would appear when needed. The design would appear when you type in the name of the book, (the design that sutes the book will appear). Even if you’re a girl, you can play a boy! The book is magical, so it can read your mind and see if you want to change a boy to a girl, or the other way around. It even works on all comics.  If you only watched the movie, you can’t use it, and if you never even read the book (you’re sad in my opinion) you can never use the book jumper!

Think about it; going to fictional, foreign lands that only you can say, “That’s my dream come true!”     

Thomas Edison's Greatest Invention

     The "Awesome Authors and Artists" participated in a fun persuasive writing/speaking assignment.  Week #1, they learned all about Thomas Edison's most famous inventions, and formed groups based on their opinions on which one was THE most important.  They wrote essays together (or sometimes separately, if no one chose to agree with them), using teamwork and research to come up with the best arguments.  Week #2, the students met with their group to fine tune and add any new arguments, and then had fun debating with a speech and a question/answer session.   I gave the students the option of symbolically joining someone who had persuaded them so well that their minds got changed.  (I say "symbolically," because they were a little worried they would have to write a second paper!  I made sure to let them know that all they had to do was get up and join that new group in spirit!) 

     Sophia (5th grade) was one of those students who started this assignment off alone, and ended up convincing Sammie and Samantha (5th graders) to join her group due to her persuasive arguments.  She also did a great job of proving that Thomas Edison's other inventions wouldn't be possible without this one.  Bravo, Sophia!  Here is her piece:

     The Powerful Power Stations!

     I chose the power station as Thomas Edison's most important invention because it controls everything and makes everything work!  I hope that you will be convinced that the power station is the best invention by Thomas Edison.

     There are tons of power stations everywhere.  They are so important!   They help run video games, light bulbs, schools, shopping malls, factories, and many more important things that everybody loves.

     Without the power station, the world would be dark because of no light at night.  Countries that have few hours of sunlight would not be able to see!  People would starve to death because of no power to help the refrigerators keep food cold.  There would be no light to write stories on the typewriter or to help build the electric train!  Kids wouldn't be happy, because they couldn't play with electric toys.

     The power stations bring light to the dark world!

     Dylan (6th grade), Charlotte (6th grade), and Joseph (5th grade) all agreed that the phonograph was Edison's most important invention.  Here is why!

     The Phonograph is the best of Thomas Edison's inventions.  The Beatles, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC wouldn't be around if not for the phonograph.  The phonograph also led to things that we use daily, like CD's and tape recorders.  If there were no DVD's, there would be no videos of shows that you forgot to watch in the theater.  Also, without the phonograph, there would be no sound from the phone.

     Sometimes, if the music is fast, it will make you fast too.  If it is slow music, it might have the opposite effect.  This can also be a good thing because if somebody has anger issues or someone has high blood pressure, it can make them calm and then lower their blood pressure.

     This is why the phonograph is easily, by far, the greatest invention.  It inspired other inventions.  If not for the phonograph, many other inventions wouldn't exist.

     Sophia (3rd grade) picked the invention Edison is most famous for: the light bulb.  Enjoy her beautiful introduction, body, and conclusion in this well-organized essay!

     The light bulb is very important.  This invention changed the world.  It really helps light up your day!

     The light bulb is used to bring light to billions of houses.  Millions of people use its warm glow to light up classrooms.  Without the light bulb, this writing club would be held in almost entire darkness.  The simple light bulb led to modern lights, like the ones in this classroom.  The world needs light!  

     Candles used to be used instead of light bulbs.  They may set fire to paper or wood.  They may even set fire to your entire house!

     Imagine living in a northern country during winter.  You would only have two to three hours of daylight each day!  You would be living in vast darkness!

     No light bulbs, no streetlights or headlights.  No streetlights or headlights, no taking nighttime walks or driving at night.  Light bulbs really help light up the world!

Great Inventions!

     In honor of Thomas Edison's birthday on February 11th, the students were to come up with a  creative invention that would help improve their lives, the lives of others, or perhaps even the entire world!  They started off with a story map that would eventually lead to their 5-paragraph essay.  (The Budding Authors and Artists filled in the blank with a similar outline.)   The paragraph topics were:
1. Introduction: Name and briefly describe your invention
2. More details/how it works
3. Whom your invention would help
4. Other important or cool facts
5. A conclusion that would make the reader want to buy your invention!

It was very difficult to pick my favorite inventions!  So many of these would improve my own life!  Would you buy any of these products?

The Barry Bonds Bat, by Tyler (1st grade)

     If I were a great inventor, I would invent a Barry Bonds Bat.  It would help people always hit home runs.

     First, you would tap it and it will wake up.  Next, it will be ready to bat.  Then when you swing at any ball, you will hit a home run!

     My invention would help anyone in baseball and softball.

     The bat would change to any colors you want for boys and girls, and it would only be $4.

     I think my Barry Bonds Bat would be helpful to a lot of baseball and softball players!

My Invention, by Alex (2nd grade)

     If I were a great inventor, I would invent a Talking Floating Ducky.  It tells whose turn it is if you have a brother or sister when you are playing a game.

     First, you squeeze the floating ducky, and it turns on.  Next, it floats in the air.  Then, it tells whose turn it is.  Finally, you poke it, and it floats down and sleeps.

     My invention would help younger brothers and sisters if they have a hard time taking turns.

     It costs $12.69.

     My Talking Floating Ducky would be marvelous!

     

My Identical Twin Helper, by Danika (3rd grade)

     If I could create a new invention, it would be the "Identical Twin Helper."  It helps people that have identical twins and can't tell which one is which.

     "The Identical Twin Helper" is a toothbrush shaped item that would work like this.  You slide the button in the middle.  Then you push the black button on the bottom.  Next, you put the toothbrush in their mouth.  Slide the button up, and their name will appear!

     My invention would help every parent that has twins.  Teachers, coaches, and doctors would find it handy too.

     The toothbrush costs $10 and comes in one size.  The colors are purple, pink, blue, green, black, yellow, white, red, and orange.

     This invention will definitely help you if you have identical twins and can't tell which one is which.  My invention is amazing!

The Astounding Dish-Table, by Flo (4th grade)

     Aren’t you always complaining about having to do the dishes? Or having to set the table? Well you can kiss your troubles goodbye with the all-new Dish-Table!

     Here is how this staggering invention works. First, you press the “set table” pedal and any dish you’d need would pop up. After that, you can pick up the plate, serve food on it, and eat your meal. Next, you would step on the “wash” pedal. Your food would automatically be scraped off your plate, your plate will be washed, and would be prepared for the next time you set the table.

     This creation would help anyone who has ever needed a helping hand with the dishes, or just didn’t have the time or desire to do the dishes.

     The starting price for this product is $1,500 USD. You can order a rectangular, circular, white, black, formal, or wood-styled Dish-Table. A cool fact is that the Dish-Table is solar powered, so it’s great for the environment.

     This miracle-working table will minimize disagreements around the world. No more arguments about who’s turn it is to wash the dishes!

The Flavor Changer, by Morgan (5th grade)

     Are you a parent that gets stressed at every meal time?  Well, fear no more!  The "Flavor Changer" is a new hi-tech chip that you can place in your child's mouth.  Every parent would have one less problem to stress about if they purchased this awesome product!

     The "Flavor Changer" changes the flavor of a food your child doesn't like.  All they have to do is think of a flavor, such as chocolate, and as soon as they bite down, the flavor sprays all over their mouth.  The best part about it, is that it has the same healthiness as the food with the original flavor! The chip uses mini suction cups to stick to the child's mouth.  They can't feel it there, and you can take it out at any time.

     This new invention would help picky eaters and annoyed moms who want their kids to eat a balanced meal.  Imagine how much easier yours and your child's life could be!

     The "Flavor Changer" comes in five different colors: red, blue, purple, green, and black.  It is only $7.99 for 21 in each pack, one for each meal of the week.  As a bonus, it comes with different suction cups that you can switch out, and a case!

     My invention would be a stress-relieving product for picky eaters and parents everywhere!

"No Regrets," by Rebecca (6th grade)

     Have you ever stayed up at night, wondering what would happen if you had done something else? Well, worry no more!  Now with the brand new "No Regrets" invention, you can live with one giant weight lifted off your shoulders.

     "No Regrets" is a small tablet or a large machine, depending on your preference.  Activating this machine is as easy as the simple tap of your finger.  There are two modes: decision-making and alternate-ending mode.  In decision-making mode, you can scroll back to the desired time.  Then, you can interact with the others and relive that moment.  When alternate-ending mode is activated, you can remake your decisions without it altering your current state.  You can then see the future after that decision, either in slo-mo, normal speed, or elapsed time.  You can change between the options at any time.  The uses of "No Regrets" are both handy and plentiful!

     This machine can help people of all shapes and sizes.  For example: students.  They can retake a test or choose a different work partner.  Adults can use it to apply to a different college or job, and decide on a different major.  Anyone and everyone across the globe can benefit from this invention.

     Don't fret if you fear you won't enjoy the basic look and style.  There are multiple options!  Colors include chartreuse, burgundy, crimson, teal, silver, gold, black, and white.  Sizes range from small to large, weak to powerful.  You can get it with buttons or a touch screen.  There are several charging options: solar, manual, batteries, or plugged in.  This invention is fully customizable!

     Whoever you are, wherever you are, your life can be improved by the "No Regrets" invention.  Live life with No Regrets!