Are you ready to be an inventor?

So, by now you've probably read our pages about famous inventors and their inventions. But are you ready to become an inventor? Test your skills and creativity in the world of inventions.

First, get your creativity flowing. Think of an ordinary household tool, like a clothes hanger. Then think of all the possible things that you could make out of it. Some ideas are:
              

 Wow! Now that you've got some ideas, you can start to eliminate some of them. Go through your list and rate each of them. 3 for great, 2 for okay, and 1 for poor. Then look at your 3's. Do you have any favorites? Pick one, and start to visualize it. Don't be afraid to think of all the possibilities, even if they seem weird. Get a piece of paper and sketch it out. Be creative!

When you're done with your sketch, look at it. Think about what materials would work best. Does your invention use water? If so, you might want to stay away from wood. If your invention has many pieces, think about using glue, or nails. Once you're pretty clear on your materials, think about where you'll get them. Probably most of the things you'll need are all around the house, but if you like being professional, take a trip to your local hardware store.

When putting it together, be ready for mistakes. If you're determined, you'll get there. Ask for help if you need it, because you don't have to do it all on your own. And be sure to ask an adult for help if you'll be using a saw, hot glue, or anything else like that. 

So are you ready to be an inventor? Here are some characteristics of inventors. See if you have any of these traits:

• Inventors are creative.
• They have wide interests.
• Inventors are highly motivated.
• They are risk-takers.
• Inventors are resourceful.
• They work hard.
• And, most important, inventors  solve problems.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun. Don't be afraid of mistakes - who knows? They may inspire you! Good Luck!