IC-LM Innovation Fair 2016 Theme:

Innovation
Through

Repurposed and Recycled Materials

What is Innovation?
Innovation can be defined as the process of creating/inventing something new and necessary
for our world and/or our community. Innovation can also be the process of taking an existing
idea and building upon it. For example, the electric toothbrush is an example of how inventor
and innovator Philippe G. Woog transformed the traditional toothbrush in 1954 in order to create
a product that would make the daily task of teeth brushing more effective and fun!
What is the Maker Movement?
The Maker Movement is a global movement which puts an emphasis on making instead of
consuming. In schools, the maker movement is taking shape as students are given time to
tinker with materials, problem solve, think creatively, and invent something from nothing.
What is the JCS IC-LM Innovation Fair?
Each year, JCS Innovation Centre-La Mesa students engage in teacher/parent-teacher
supported projects focused on engineering and innovating new ideas to improve the world
around us. In years past, these projects have been presented at the annual IC-LM Innovation
Fair and students have been given recognition for their work.
This year, the JCS Innovation Fair will take on a new and exciting element: Repurposing! What
useful product can your child create using recycled materials?
On the home school days leading up to this years Innovation Fair (Wednesday, April 13th),
parent-teachers will support students to develop, design, and create new product prototypes
which have the potential to impact the world. On the day of the Innovation Fair, before an
audience of their teacher and classmates, students will present their innovation.
Important Dates:
Due Date: Wednesday, April 13th
Home School Days: 3/18, 3/25, 4/8, 4/12
Learning Goal
The learner will innovate a product or idea using repurposed materials.

Driving Questions

This question is meant to drive the learning throughout the project. It is the focal point and
should be referenced throughout the process so the student can articulate and completely
answer it upon project completion.
How can I, as a young innovator, engineer an idea that is important to the world
around me using repurposed materials?
Need to Knows/Inquiry-Based Questions
These are questions parent-teachers should discuss and answer with their student(s)
throughout the course of the project. Students may also have additional, project-specific
questions that will need to be answered before product design is possible.
What is an engineer?
What does it mean to innovate?
What problems/challenges do I face that could be fixed through invention?
How can I invent something that will make life easier or better for me and others?
What am I interested in developing/designing or redeveloping/redesigning?
Do I have an idea for something new that has not yet been
developed?
Is there an existing product I can make better?
What kinds of materials do I have to work with and design from?
Consider accessibility and cost
When do I need to be ready to present and share my project?
How does recycling help my community and world?

In Class Presentation Questions

These are the questions your student will need to be able to answer during their oral
presentation on Wednesday, April 13th.
1. How does this product improve our world and help others?
2. Where did you get your idea(s) for your product?
3. How did you design your product? What steps did you take from start to finish?
4. If given more time and unlimited funds, how would you develop your product
further?
Evidence of Learning and Home School Attendance
Completed product (See Rubric)
Resources
The PBS Newshour: Can the Makers Movement save Science Education. (Discovery Education
Video)
Why the Maker Movement important to America future. (Time Article)
Shark Tank Article
TED Ed Video - Engineering
Shark Tank you Life: Kid Edition
Pinterest: Search Maker Movement