Provide "acknowledged body of knowledge" related to the concept. Emphasize the most significant aspects of the concept in an organized, organic manner. Present information sequentially so students see continuity. Draw attention to important, discrete details; don't swamp students with myriad facts.

Stories of inventions. Instruction in thinking strategies.

Objective: To develop thinking techniques and strategies--such as the Consequences Wheel and Alex Osborn's SCAMPER strategy--to empower students to solve problems. To understand the historical development of tools and the ensuing effects on a civilization.

Activity: Students will participate in directed reading activities of the stories of various everyday inventions such as the shopping cart. Students will learn of inventions that occurred by mistake, but were capitalized upon by the alertness of the inventor to possibilities. Students will generate lists of characteristics of inventors as thinkers prepared for opportunities. Students will be instructed in Alex Osborn's SCAMPER techniques and see how substitution, minification, etc. will generate new ideas for invention. Students will be instructed in ways to evaluate inventions. Students will explore problem situations from different perspectives using a Consequences wheel which explores possible ramifications of solutions. Students will explore how inventors use analogies to come up with new ideas.

Assessment: Student oral and written responses throughout directed activities and completion of a consequences wheel.