C h a p t e r 9

204 Section 3 Creating Technology

Invention and
Innovation

Did You Know?

o A patent is the record explaining
an inventor’s new invention. The
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) grants patents. A patent
protects the invention from being
stolen from the inventor.
o The first patent was granted to
Joseph Jenks for creating a better
sawmill.
o The USPTO has issued over 7 million
patents since it opened in 1790.

Objectives
The information given in this chapter will
help you do the following:
o Explain the concept of invention.
o Summarize the history of invention.
o Compare invention and discovery.
o Summarize the three major
categories of inventions.
o Explain how invention is a problem-
solving process.
o Summarize the steps of the invention
process.
o Give examples of some
characteristics of inventors.
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 205

o Recall the three main reasons for scientific discovery

inventing. social invention
o Recall the advantages of invention teams. spin-off
o Explain the concept of innovation.
o Explain the concept of adaptation. Preparing to Read
Look carefully for the main ideas as
Key Words you read this chapter. Look for the details
that support each of the main ideas.
These words are used in this chapter. Do Use the Reading Organizer at the end
you know what they mean? of the chapter to organize the main and
adaptation supporting points.
challenge
This chapter
creative thinking Have you ever used a shoestring for covers the
discovery something other than to tie your shoes, benchmark
financial invention topics for
created a device to help a friend, or even the following
Industrial Revolution created a new recipe? If you have, you Standards for
innovation are an inventor. Inventors create new Technological
invention Literacy:
and unique products. These products are
invention process 1 3 5 6 7 10
called inventions. Inventions are created
leisure invention through the invention process. This Discussion
patent process uses imagination and knowledge Ask the students
problem what inventions they
to turn ideas into devices, products, and
have created.
problem solving systems. See Figure 9‑1. Once inventions

Figure 9‑1. The products we use today have been developed using imagination and knowledge. (Harris Corp.)
 206 Section 3 Creating Technology

Standards for exist, they are often made better through screw to move water uphill. The screw
Technological the process of innovation. pump is still used today, although it might
Literacy
not seem to be a major invention anymore.
6 7
See Figure 9‑2. At the time in history when
Research
Have the students Invention it was invented, however, moving water
was a major problem. Archimedes solved
identify inventions that problem by using a screw inside a
created in the The invention process dates back to
Bronze and Stone cylinder. The screw turns and carries the
Ages.
the beginning of humanity. When people
water upward. The cylinder is used to keep
began to create tools and clothes, they
Discussion the water on the screw. The screw pump
became inventors. Tools and clothes did
Discuss tools and is also important because it is one of the
devices that use not exist before people created them.
first inventions that can be credited to an
simple machines. Inventions have followed the materials
inventor. Earlier inventions are too old to
Brainstorm available at any point in time.
know who invented them.
Have the students In the Stone Age, axes and tools made
There are many early inventions we take
list and discuss the of stone and bone were invented. People
tools and machines for granted. Today, there is paper to write on,
also invented ways of creating pottery.
available before and compasses to lead our way, and batteries
after the Industrial Next, in the Bronze Age, inventions such
to power our devices. Without these inven-
Revolution. as the wheel and the plow were created.
tions, we would be faced with many of the
TechnoFact Irrigation and writing were also invented
same problems our ancestors had.
Inventors’ ideas in the Bronze Age. The inventions of the
are often referred
Invention did not stop in the Iron Age.
Stone and Bronze Ages were important
to as intellectual Inventions have been created in every age
property. The United
to our world. These inventions were the
of time. An important time period for inven-
States Patent and building blocks for later inventions.
Trademark Office
tion is known as the Industrial Revolution.
The Iron Age came next. New devices
protects intellectual This period lasted from around 1750 to
property in several
were invented in the Iron Age. One impor-
1850. The Industrial Revolution was a time
ways. Utility patents tant invention was the screw pump.
are issued to
when many machines and devices were
Archimedes, a Greek inventor, developed
protect processes, invented. The invention of the steam engine
machines, products,
this pump. This invention uses a large
started the revolution. See Figure 9‑3.
and compositions
of matter (such
as medicines)
for up to twenty
years. Design
patents protect
new, original, and
ornamental designs
for products for up
to twenty years.
Plant patents
guard invented or
discovered plant
varieties for up
to twenty years.
Trademarks protect
words, names,
symbols, sounds, or
colors distinguishing
goods and services.
Trademarks can be
renewed forever.
Copyrights shield
writings, music, and Figure 9‑2. A modern example of a screw pump invented thousands of years ago. (Lakeside Equipment
works of art for the Corporation)
life of the author,
plus seventy years.
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 207

plant and grow crops were also invented Standards for

during that time. Many of the inventions of Technological
Literacy
the Industrial Revolution have had lasting
6 7
effects on the world. Without the Industrial
Revolution, there would be no factories Research
to make products. There would be no Have the students
select a common
passenger trains. It would also be much
technology and
harder to communicate. research its
Many of the inventions since the evolution since
the Industrial
Industrial Revolution have been related
Revolution.
Figure 9‑3. Steam engines were used in many to information. This recent period of time
TechnoFact
applications during the Industrial Revolution. (Jerry is known as the Information Age. In this
Archimedes, who
E. Howell) age, vacuum tubes and transistors have invented the screw
been invented. These inventions led to pump, is known for
the television and computer. The mobile many other things
This engine was used in the invention of as well. He was born
telephone, the Internet, the space shuttle, in Sicily around 287
factories, on the railroad, and in ships.
and MP3 players are all inventions of the BC. Archimedes
Also, during the Industrial Revolution, the was more of a
Information Age. See Figure 9‑4.
telegraph was invented. Better ways to mathematician
than an inventor.
His inventions,
including the screw
and the pulley, were
practical uses of
the geometry he
studied.
TechnoFact
The Information Age
relies very heavily
on small pieces of
silicon. Silicon chips
are the “brains”
of most modern
electronic devices.
Invented by Jack
Kilby and Robert
Noyce, silicon chips
are only about half a
millimeter thick and
can hold hundreds
of thousands of
electronic circuits.

Figure 9‑4. The MP3 player is just one example of a modern invention.
 208 Section 3 Creating Technology

Standards for Over time, inventions have become

Technological more complex. The wheel no longer seems
Literacy
to be an important invention. Without the
6 7
invention of the wheel, however, there
Demonstrate would be no automobile. Many things we
Use a transparency use and create today come from inven-
or model to show
how a hot air
tions and discoveries thousands of years
balloon works. old. Inventors often use logical processes
Research
of trials and alterations to create useful
Have the students products and systems. Many of the inven-
use the Internet tions and innovations we use today have
to find information developed gradually over time.
about the life of
Leonardo da Vinci.
Have them discuss
examples of his
Discovery vs
inventions.
Invention
TechnoFact
Isaac Newton Discovery is a word often confused
discovered three with invention. You might hear the words
laws of motion: 1. Figure 9‑5. Discoveries and inventions have led
used together. It might seem that they are
All objects will stay to the hobby of hot air ballooning.
at rest, or continue interchangeable. They, however, are not. An
moving, until acted
(Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.)
invention is a new idea, process, or device.
upon by an outside
force. 2. The force Humans design and create inventions.
required to affect Discoveries are different. They are not was an inventor who lacked the discoveries he
a given change human made. Discoveries are naturally needed. Da Vinci created plans and drawings
on the velocity for bicycles, helicopters, gears, and parachutes.
or vector of an occurring. A discovery is made when some-
object is directly thing that naturally occurs is first noticed. Many of these plans were never built. In his
proportional to the Discoveries are often called scientific time, the materials he needed to build these
object’s mass. 3. inventions did not exist. This was hundreds of
For every action, discoveries. Scientists and researchers
there is an equal are the people who normally make the years before the materials were discovered or
and opposite discoveries. Important discoveries include invented.
reaction.
electricity, vacuums, and Newton’s laws of
motion. Discoveries are the foundation for
scientific knowledge.
Categories of
Inventions and discoveries are often Inventions
used together. The Montgolfier brothers,
Unlike discoveries, inventions are
for example, discovered that a balloon
human made. Humans create inventions.
filled with hot air rises. That discovery, in
An invention can be as simple as a paper
1783, led to their invention of the hot air
clip or as complex as a satellite. Inventions
balloon. Since that time, more discoveries
can be broken down into several catego-
about propane and other gases have been
ries. See Figure 9‑6:
made. These discoveries have led to more
inventions related to the hot air balloon. Hot • Devices and machines. These
air ballooning is now a safe and fun sport are inventions with moving parts or
for many people because of these discov- electrical circuits used to do work. The
eries and inventions. See Figure 9‑5. lightbulb, CD player, digital camera,
Inventions are often difficult to create and mousetrap are all common devices
without certain discoveries. Leonardo da Vinci and machines.
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 209

Career Highlight
Patent Attorneys
The Job: Patent attorneys and agents write and submit
patent applications for inventors. They represent the inventor in all
communications with the USPTO.
Working Conditions: These attorneys and agents spend a
majority of their time researching and preparing patent
applications. They can work within large corporations,
work in law firms, or be self-employed. Working
conditions are similar to other law professions.
Education and Training: Patent attorneys
and agents must apply to the USPTO to represent
inventors. To become registered with the USPTO,
people must pass an examination on patent law and
policies. They must also have at least a bachelor’s
degree in a science or an engineering discipline.
Those who meet the requirements and also have a law
degree are considered patent attorneys. The people
who do not have a law degree are titled patent agents.
Career Cluster: Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Career Pathway: Legal Services

• Products. These are manufactured • Processes. These are new techniques Discussion
artifacts. Examples of products include and ways of doing things. Processes Have the students
ink pens, sporting equipment, and can be changes in the way products are list inventions from
each of the three
clothing. Even artwork, pieces of music, manufactured. They can also be new categories: devices
and food are products. techniques for performing surgeries, and machines,
growing crops, or making medicines. products, and
processes.
Devices Processes Products

Figure 9‑6. Inventions can be devices, processes, or products. Here are an electronic device known as a
personal digital assistant, a tire production line, and a medication cart. (Photo by Steven Moeder, courtesy IDEO;
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company; Design Central, design firm—Artromick International, client)
 210 Section 3 Creating Technology

ment are other problem-solving processes.

Standards for
Technological
The Invention Process All problem-solving processes are useful.
Literacy
Most inventions are created through Some technological problems, however,
1 10
a planned process. A few, however, are can best be solved through a certain
Discussion created by accident. Charles Goodyear method. Troubleshooting is used to find
Describe and give created, perhaps, the most famous acci- the cause of a problem in a technological
examples of the system. This type of problem often calls
uses of the different
dental invention. Goodyear worked to
problem-solving create rubber that was not sticky or brittle. for some type of specific knowledge.
processes. In 1839, after years of work, he acciden- Once the cause of the problem has been
TechnoFact tally dropped a piece of rubber on his oven. recognized, the next steps are to fix the
Frank Gilbreth When the rubber cooled, Goodyear found problem and to check if the system works.
was known for that the piece was not sticky or brittle. His Experimentation is used to carry out tests on
improving many
processes. He invention of vulcanized rubber was acci- technological products and systems. This
studied the motion dental. Today, we have shoes, tires, and process strongly resembles the scientific
of people while many other products made of his vulca- method, in that both are logical and require
they were working.
One of his first nized rubber. See Figure 9‑7. tinkering, hypothesizing, studying, fine-
motion studies Accidental inventions are not common. tuning, testing, and recording. Research
was the motion Most inventions are very well planned. and development is the process used to
of bricklayers.
He improved the Inventing follows a set of steps, and it fix problems. This process is used inten-
bricklayers’ process is a process. The process begins with a sively in business and industry to prepare
and nearly tripled problem and ends with a solution. This devices and systems for the marketplace.
their daily output.
He and his wife, activity is a problem-solving process. The invention process creates new prod-
Lillian, studied The invention process is just one type ucts to solve problems.
many occupations of problem solving. Troubleshooting, Most of the inventions people have
and developed
a list of fifteen experimentation, and research and develop- produced over the course of history were
operations all jobs developed using the invention process. See
could be broken Figure 9‑8. This process has five steps:
down into. This set
of operations is
1. Identify the problem.
known as therblig, 2. Collect information.
an approximation 3. Think creatively.
of Gilbreth spelled
backward.
4. Experiment.
5. Review.

Identify the
problem

Collect
Review information

Think
Experiment creatively

Figure 9‑7. Tires are products made from vulcanized Figure 9‑8. The invention process follows this
rubber. (Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company) order.
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 211

Identifying the Problem only on the problem. The inventors iden- Standards for
The invention process starts with a tified and researched the problem. Now Technological
Literacy
problem, or challenge. In this first step, they use the results of the research and
1
inventors identify the problem. A problem is creativity to design solutions. The inven-
anything that can be made better through tors come up with as many solutions as Extend
change. For example, the time and effort possible. They make sketches, drawings, Ask the students
it takes to mow the lawn are problems. charts, and graphs. At the end of this step, why it is important
that the inventor
Problems can be dangerous. For example, the inventors have a few good designs. first identifies the
using electrical appliances around water is Experimenting problem.
a dangerous problem. See Figure 9‑9. The next step is to experiment. In this Discussion
Challenges are also problems. A chal- step, inventors build inventions. They use Have the students
lenge is an obstacle or a goal that needs discuss the
the drawings created in the last step. It is difference between
to be met. An example of a challenge is to important that they know how to use tools a challenge and a
safely travel to the planet Mars. and machines. The inventors must build problem.
Collecting Information models and test them. See Figure 9‑11. Research
The next step is to collect information. This is a trial and error process. Inventions Have the students
Inventors research the problem. They learn often fail at this step, if they do not work or keep research
journals.
as much as they can about it. Inventors inter- meet the need. When a solution fails, the
inventor fixes it and tries again. This step Demonstrate
view experts. They read books, magazines,
Set up an
and academic journals. Good inventors might take weeks or even years. experiment the
keep notebooks or personal journals. They students can
write down everything they do and learn. conduct on an
existing product
Thinking Creatively (such as the
The third step is the use of creative strength of different
sheets of paper,
thinking. Creative thinking requires the durability of paper
human brain. Only humans have the towels, or life of
ability to think in creative ways. Animals batteries).
are unable to invent devices because they TechnoFact
do not have creative minds. Animals act Even accidentally
on instinct. Humans use creativity to solve discovered products
must be developed
problems. See Figure 9‑10. using problem-
In this step, inventors begin to think of solving processes.
solutions. In the first two steps, they focus For example,
Dr. Percy Spencer
was testing a new
magnetron when
he noticed that the
candy bar in his
pocket had melted.
He placed other
foods next to the
magnetron and
discovered it heated
and cooked the
foods. He used this
information and an
invention process to
Figure 9‑10. Animals build shelters using design and patent
the first microwave
Figure 9‑9. The danger of using a hair dryer instinct. Humans use creativity and technology to oven.
near water was a problem. To solve the problem, build homes. (Wisconsin Department of Natural
manufacturers use a special plug to help prevent shocks. Resources, Habitat for Humanity International)
 212 Section 3 Creating Technology

Standards for head in the water. His partner then hit two
Technological rocks together. They did this at different
Literacy
distances. He found that sound did travel
1 6
underwater. Bell’s and Franklin’s experi-
Research ments led to major inventions because
Have the students they were curious people.
research the life Inventors look at things in their
and inventions of
an inventor of their lives. They wonder how they can make
choice. things better. Some inventors think about
TechnoFact things such as games and hobbies. See
Alexander Graham Figure 9‑12. James Naismith did just
Bell wanted to be Figure 9‑11. Inventions are tested to make sure that. He was a physical education teacher
remembered as a they function correctly. (iStockphoto.com/Fertnig)
teacher of the deaf,
who wanted a game his students could
not as the inventor play inside during the winter. This teacher
of the telephone. created the game of basketball. Milton
He spoke the
Reviewing
first words, “Mr. The final step is review. After the Bradley was also an inventor of games.
Watson, come invention works, inventors review their He invented games such as The Game of
here. I want to Life® board game.
notebooks. They make sure the invention
see you,” into his
invention in 1876. solves the problem. It is possible to invent Creative and imaginative people are
Much of the money a device that does not solve the problem. often inventors. Creativity is an impor-
he received from tant part of invention. Inventors use their
If the invention does not solve the problem,
the invention of the
telephone went the inventor starts over again with step one. creativity to see situations in new ways. If
back into research If it does solve the problem, the invention inventors were not creative, new devices
for the deaf. In and systems would not be created. The
process is complete. At this point, inven-
1888, he was one
of the founders tors might try to patent their inventions. A Wright brothers were creative and imagi-
of the National patent is a right given to an inventor of a native. Orville and Wilber Wright imagined
Geographic flying. They used their creativity to create
new product, design, or plant. This right
Society.
protects the inventor from others manu- the first powered airplane.
facturing, copying, or selling the invention Inventors need to have a great deal
without the inventor’s permission. of knowledge. They must know about the
science and mathematics used in their
inventions. Samuel Morse invented the
Inventors telegraph in 1840. See Figure 9‑13. He
The people who use the invention
process are known as inventors. Inventors
are curious people of all ages. Both chil-
dren and adults can invent. Children often
make good inventors because they are
naturally curious. Alexander Graham Bell
and Benjamin Franklin are famous inven-
tors known for their curiosity. Benjamin
Franklin was curious about lightning and
electricity. He flew a kite in a lightning
storm to prove that lightning and electricity
are related. Alexander Graham Bell was
curious about how sound traveled under-
Figure 9‑12. Sports, such as basketball, are
water. He went to a lake and placed his
invented for fun and recreation.
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 213

Think Green
Green Materials
Green materials are considered environmentally friendly
materials that are alternatives to commonly used materials. To define
a material as being green, some criteria are: the material must not
be created from exhaustible natural resources; it must emit less
carbon dioxide emissions than other materials when processed; and
it must either be recyclable or be biodegradable. An example of a
green material is recycled paper. It doesn’t use new materials, it uses
different processing techniques, and it may be recycled again.

Reasons for Inventing Standards for

Technological
Literacy
People invent for three reasons. Some 5 6
people invent to help themselves and others.
The products and systems they develop can Brainstorm
Have the students
be called social inventions. Other people
discuss what
want to make money with their inventions. inventors like the
These inventions are known as financial Wright Brothers and
James Watt would
inventions. There are other people who
have needed to
invent because they find it fun. These know to invent their
Figure 9‑13. Samuel Morse’s telegraph sped up devices and processes are called leisure devices.
communication. (Jerry E. Howell) inventions. TechnoFact
Social Inventions Inventors are
often pictured as
had to know how to use electricity. Morse Social inventions are created to help eccentric, white-
also needed technical knowledge. He the inventor or other people. They make bearded men.
our lives better and easier. These inven- However, there have
knew how to use tools to create his inven-
been many famous
tion. Technical knowledge is important tions impact society. Social inventions can female inventors.
for inventors. Many inventors can think of be simple, such as a jar opener for the Gertrude Belle
elderly. They can also be complex, such as Elion, for example,
ideas. Some do not have the knowledge of
was the first woman
technology to build their inventions. vaccines for children. The first vaccine was inducted into the
People who use the invention process invented to stop smallpox. Edward Jenner National Inventors
must also know about already existing invented it to help society. Vaccines are Hall of Fame. Her
work led to the
products. James Watt invented the steam used to control many different diseases. invention of drugs
engine. He looked at models of steam See Figure 9‑14. Social inventions can be to fight leukemia
engines that did not work and took them created to help better the world. Products and the rejection of
transplanted tissue.
apart. Watt then discovered why these invented to cause less harm to the environ-
engines did not work. He built the first ment are social inventions. Safety devices
working steam engine. Inventors, such as are social inventions. Seat belts, child
Watt, enjoy taking things apart and finding seats, and safety guards are also social
how things work. inventions.
 214 Section 3 Creating Technology

Standards for
Technological
Literacy
1 6 10

Brainstorm
Ask the students
to list the leisure
inventions they use
every day.
Research
Have the students
research the work
of Thomas Edison Figure 9‑14. Vaccinations are social inventions.
and his teams at
Menlo Park.
TechnoFact
Financial Inventions
Some inventions
Most inventions are created to make
are created for one money. These are called financial inven- Figure 9‑15. This leisure invention of a helium-
purpose and end tions. Financial inventions often make
up being used for
filled sunshade is patented. (Patent No. 5,076,029,
another. The jigsaw
things faster or easier to do. Eli Whitney U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)
puzzle, invented invented the cotton gin to produce cotton
by John Spilsbury faster. The faster the cotton was produced,
in 1767, began as Figure 9‑16. Thomas Edison created the
an educational
the more money the farmers made. The
first research lab in the United States. His
tool. Spilsbury computer and computer software are
was a mapmaker research lab was built in Menlo Park, New
financial inventions. They help businesses
who glued a Jersey. Edison’s researchers helped invent
map to a piece
operate faster and more efficiently.
the phonograph and the electric lightbulb.
of wood and cut Leisure Inventions
out the countries. Research labs can be used to invent many
Educators used
Leisure inventions are created for the things. For example, they are used to invent
such puzzles to pleasure of inventing. Inventors who like new materials, electronic equipment, and
teach geography. to tinker create these. These inventors
Today, jigsaw
puzzles are fun
like to invent as a hobby. Leisure inven-
leisure inventions. tions include small games and toys. Rube
Goldberg was a cartoonist who drew funny
leisure inventions. His inventions used
many steps to solve simple problems.
Leisure inventions are often very creative
and are sometimes even patented. See
Figure 9‑15.

Invention Teams
Social and financial inventions are
usually created in teams. Invention teams
are used because each team member has
different abilities and knowledge. Some
people are better at using tools. Others have
more scientific knowledge, while others Figure 9‑16. The first transistor made from a
have more mathematical knowledge. Many single material was developed in a research lab.
invention teams work in research labs. See (Lucent Technologies, Inc./Bell Labs)
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 215

Technology Explained
high-rise building: a multistory residential or commercial building
that has a skeleton frame.
The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is a construction marvel,
even today. This type of tall structure, however, was not common
throughout history. More common than pyramids were the great
cathedrals built in Europe. The cathedrals have high, thick stone
Reinforcing rods
walls. This type of wall is called a load-bearing wall because it holds
Horizontal beam Vertical column all the weight (load) of the roof.
Construction such as this has height limits. Load-bearing walls
are not practical in buildings over five stories tall. The walls become
Wire-mesh too thick and heavy.
reinforcing
In the past, as cities became larger, taller buildings were
needed. It took the development of the elevator and the skeleton
Foundation pad frame to make tall buildings practical. The elevator allowed people to
Figure A. The photograph shows move quickly between floors without walking up stairs. For example,
a building under construction. The the Empire State Building’s elevators can move up to 1400′ (427 m)
drawing shows how a reinforced per minute. At this speed, people can travel from the lobby to the
concrete structure is put together. 80th floor in 45 seconds.
A skeleton frame carries the weight of the building, very similarly to
how the human skeleton carries the body. These developments made
high-rise buildings, or skyscrapers, possible. The first high-rise building
was built in Chicago in 1885. Built for the Home Insurance Company,
it was 10 stories tall. The exterior walls provided protection from the
weather. These walls, however, did not carry any load. This type of wall
is called a curtain wall because it merely hangs from the frame.
Today, high-rise buildings use two types of framework. The first
type is reinforced concrete. See Figure A. This type of framework is
cast on-site. Forms are erected around a network of steel rods. The
concrete is poured inside the forms. After the concrete has cured,
the forms are removed.
Figure B. A steel-framed building. The weight of reinforced concrete limits its use to buildings
Notice the different shapes of the of moderate height. Taller buildings use steel skeletons. Steel is
steel members. fabricated into angles and I beams. Steel columns and beams are
bolted or riveted together. See Figure B. This allows the beams to
expand and contract uniformly with temperature changes.
Once the frame is erected, the floor and roof are installed. The
exterior walls are then put in place. See Figure C. These walls can
be made of steel or aluminum panels, bricks, concrete blocks, sheets
of glass, or other materials.
The title of the world’s tallest building passes from skyscraper to
skyscraper as new structures are built. The tallest building in the world
is currently the Burj Khalifa, built in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in
2009. There are, however, several skyscrapers in both the planning and
construction stages that will be taller. The Sears Tower in Chicago is the
Figure C. The building in this picture is tallest skyscraper in the United States and stands 1450′ high.
having its exterior walls finished. The brick
is in place. The windows are installed.
 216 Section 3 Creating Technology

Standards for medications. Research labs can be found in

Technological universities, large companies, and govern-
Literacy
ment agencies.
1 10

Extend
Have the students
create sketches of
an innovation they
Innovation
would find useful.
Inventors do not always invent new
TechnoFact devices. They often create innovations.
ENIAC (Electronic Innovation is the process of altering an
Numerical
Integrator And existing product or system to improve it.
Computer) was the Innovations make inventions better. All
predecessor of the technological refinement occurs through
modern electronic
computer. ENIAC, the process of innovation. Many of the
built between 1943 products created today are innovations.
and 1946, filled an Innovations can do several things for the
entire room and Figure 9‑17. Current automobile production
weighed over sixty inventions. They can make inventions lines are innovations. (Daimler)
thousand pounds. work better, be less expensive, or be built
Due to inventions with better materials. Devices can even be
and innovations the weight, comfort, and ride of the bicycle.
in electronics, made from several inventions.
They made bicycles easier to ride.
materials, and Innovations make inventions more
manufacturing, Putting two inventions together can
useful. They have been made to improve
modern computers also make innovations. In-line skates are
are much smaller the speed and capacity of computers.
an innovation. See Figure 9‑18. They are
and more capable. These innovations have made the
a combination of shoes and skateboards.
TechnoFact computer more useful. Computers can do
Innovations are important to our society.
Several presidents more things faster than they could just a
of the United States few years ago.
are known for
Inventions can be made less expen-
their inventions,
but Abraham sive with innovation. Henry Ford innovated
Lincoln is the only the way automobiles are built. His mass
president with a
patent. Although it
production system made automobiles
was never built or cheaper to buy. More people could afford
tested, the system automobiles because of Henry Ford. Many
of adjustable air
chambers Lincoln
innovations have changed the way auto-
invented was mobiles are manufactured today. Today,
designed to allow most automobile production lines are very
steamboats to pass
through shallow
automated. See Figure 9‑17.
water or over Innovations can be large or small
sandbars without changes to an invention. An inventor might
unloading. Thomas
Jefferson also
change the material of the invention. The
invented several bicycle has gone through many innova-
devices, such as tions. When the bicycle was invented, it
the swivel chair
was made of wood. New materials helped
and the pedometer.
However, he to innovate the bicycle. Bicycles have
never patented his been made of steel, aluminum, and tita-
inventions.
nium. Some bicycles are even made of Figure 9‑18. In-line skates are innovations used
carbon fiber. These innovations changed for fitness and recreation. (Rollerblade)
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 217

One type of innovation is adapta- Innovations and adaptations make Standards for
tion. Adaptations are developed when devices, products, and processes easier Technological
Literacy
inventions are used for something other to use. They help to make inventions
1 10
than the purposes for which they were better and more useful. Innovations are an
intended. Medicines are adapted when important part of invention. Research
they are used to treat ailments besides the Have the students
identify NASA spin-
one they were meant to cure. The laser
offs they have used
is an invention that has been adapted for
many different uses. Lasers are used to Summary in their own lives.
TechnoFact
cut materials, scan grocery items, perform NASA spin-offs are
Invention is a problem-solving process.
eye surgery, and create interesting light used in many areas
Humans have used the process of inven- of life, including food
shows. The National Aeronautics and
tion for thousands of years. Inventions preparation and
Space Administration (NASA) is known for medical treatment.
are new and unique devices meeting our
creating adaptations. NASA has created Freeze-drying and
needs. The people who create inven- water purification
over 1000 inventions that have been
tions are known as inventors. Inventors technologies that
adapted to solve other problems. These were first used on
are creative and imaginative people. They
adaptations are known as spin-offs. the Apollo missions
often work together in research labora- have been adapted
Race-car drivers now use technology from
tories. Inventors follow the steps of the for commercial use.
space suits the Apollo astronauts wore. Space shuttle fuel
invention process to create new inven-
Cordless power tools were first used in pump technology
tions. They also make changes to older was adapted to
space. Even the suits firefighters wear are
inventions. These changes are called create artificial
NASA spin-offs. See Figure 9‑19. hearts.
innovations. Adaptations are inventions
used for new purposes. Inventions, inno- TechnoFact
Spin-offs vations, and adaptations all help to make Most of the world’s
tallest buildings are
life easier. relatively new and
located in Asian
countries. Among
the five tallest
buildings, the tallest
building is the Burj
Khalifa, built in
Dubai, United Arab
Emirates in 2009.
Many The other four
inventions buildings in the top
five are located in
are adapted
Taiwan, Malaysia,
to solve and China.
problems
other than
those for
which
they were
intended.

Figure 9‑19. The protective clothing firefighters

wear is a NASA spin-off from the space suit.
(NASA)
 218 Section 3 Creating Technology

Te
c

STEM Connections
hn
e

ol
nc

og
ie

y
Sc

STEM
Integrated

Curriculum
En
gi Science
s
ic

ne
at

er
m

in
he

g
Choose a scientific discovery (such as electricity, gravity, or friction). Make a list of
at
M

inventions used to make that discovery. Make a second list of inventions that come from
that discovery.

Curricular Connections
Standards for Language Arts
Technological Create an invention. Keep an inventor’s log. Use the inventor’s log to write a simple
Literacy patent application.
3
Social Studies
Select an industrialized country (such as the United States, Germany, or England).
Research the major inventions developed in that country. Create a display presenting the
country’s inventions and inventors.

Activities
1. Choose an invention affecting your life (for example, the automobile, telephone,
television, or computer). Create a display highlighting the invention. Show the
history of the invention and how the invention works.
2. Select a problem in your life or the life of someone in your family. Follow the
invention process. Create an invention solving the problem.
3. Research an adaptation, or a spin-off, NASA created. Divide a poster board into
two sections. On the first half, list and explain an invention NASA created. On the
second half, show how the invention has been adapted and how it is used today.

Test Your Knowledge

Answers Do not write in this book. Place your answers to this test on a separate sheet of paper.
Answers to Test 1. Paraphrase the definition of invention.
Your Knowledge
questions are 2. Describe why the Industrial Revolution was important to the history of invention.
located on page 3. How are discoveries different from inventions?
T89.
4. List the three types of inventions.
5. Accidental inventions are the most common type. True or false?
6. Rewrite, in your own words, a definition for the word problem, as it relates to the
invention process.
7. The invention process is the only problem-solving process. True or false?
8. The invention process has a set of steps. True or false?
9. Summarize three characteristics of inventors.
10. An invention created to help people is a(n) _____ invention.
11. What type of invention is created to increase profits?
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 219

12. An invention created for fun is a(n) _____ invention.

13. Today, teams of inventors create most social and financial inventions. True or false?
14. A(n) _____ is an improvement on an invention.
15. Select the phrase best describing an adaptation.
A. A new and unique product or system created with imagination and knowledge.
B. An improvement on an already existing invention.
C. The initial realization of a natural occurrence.
D. An invention used for something other than the purpose for which it was
intended.

Reading Organizer
Draw a bubble diagram for each main idea in the chapter. Make each of the main ideas
the central bubble, while using details in smaller bubbles to surround the main points. An
example from this chapter is shown.

Devices and
Machines

Products
Discovery Categories

Invention
Processes

Process
220 Section 3 Creating Technology

Chapter 9 Activity A

Invention and Innovation

The Challenge
Create a poster board explaining an invention and showing inventions that led up to
it and inventions that have come from it.

Introduction
New inventions and innovations are created every day. You might never encounter
some of them. There are many inventions, however, that most of us use all the time.
These inventions have become part of our daily lives. Eventually, many of these inven-
tions, as great as they are right now, will become outdated. For example, it is impractical
to use the telegraph for long-distance communication today. It is important, however, to
understand that the invention of the telegraph led to other inventions we rely on today. In
this activity, you will examine an invention used today.

Equipment and Supplies

• Poster board.
• Library or Internet sources.
• A printer.
• Markers or colored pencils.
• Tape or glue.
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 221

Procedure
1. Select one of the following inventions: the telephone, television, printing press,
automobile, airplane, telescope, laser, or single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.
2. Using the library or Internet, research your invention in order to answer the
following questions:
• Who invented the product?
• When was it invented?
• Why was it invented?
• What inventions led up to this invention?
• How does the invention work?
• What are the impacts (positive and negative) of the invention?
• What inventions have come from your invention?
• Was the invention patented?
3. Create a display (poster board) answering the research questions.
4. Present your display to the rest of the class.

Challenging Your Learning

Create a model of the invention.
222 Section 3 Creating Technology

TSA Modular Activity

This activity develops the skills used in TSA’s Inventions and Innovations
event.

Inventions and Innovations

Activity Overview
In this activity, you will investigate and determine the need for an invention, develop an
idea for the invention, and then present your idea using a stand-alone multimedia presenta-
tion; a documentation notebook; a model, or prototype; and an oral presentation.

Materials
• Presentation software.
• A three-ring binder with 8 1/2″ × 11″ pages.
• Materials for the model, or prototype (will vary greatly).

Background Information
Selection. Before selecting the theme for your project, consider past inventions and
innovations and current needs in each of the major divisions of technology:
• Medicine.
• Agriculture and biotechnology.
• Energy and power.
• Information and communication.
• Transportation.
• Manufacturing.
• Construction.
Use brainstorming techniques to identify several possible inventions and innovations
from each area. Select an idea for a final invention to meet an identified need. The
invention can be completely new, or it can be an improvement to an existing device,
system, or process.
Design. Research issues and gather information about the identified need. Work on
the design and details of the final invention. Design and construct a model, or prototype,
and visual aids that can be used to enhance the presentations.
 Chapter 9 Invention and Innovation 223

Documentation. Determine a format for documenting information in a stand-alone

multimedia presentation. Develop a stand-alone multimedia presentation and an accom-
panying documentation notebook. Prepare an oral presentation further explaining the
invention.

Guidelines
• The invention should be realistic and have the potential to be workable.
• The multimedia presentation must be between two and four minutes long. This
presentation must be self-explanatory. The multimedia presentation should show the
development of the idea of the final invention.
• The oral presentation should not be longer than five minutes. The model, or
prototype, must be part of this presentation. The goal of this presentation is to
convince the audience that the invention is needed and has real potential.
• The following items must be included in your documentation notebook:
• A cover sheet.
• The title, or name, of the identified need and a brief description.
• The title, or name, of the invention and a brief description.
• Photos of the model, or prototype, of the invention.
• Relevant information about the stand-alone multimedia presentation.
• The following items must be included in your multimedia presentation:
• The title of the invention.
• The identified need and information about it.
• Information about the design and brainstorming processes.
• Information about the invention, including the model.
• An assessment of the invention and its potential for being a workable device,
system, or process.

Evaluation Criteria
Your project will be evaluated using the following criteria:
• The effectiveness of the multimedia presentation and documentation notebook to
document your work as you investigated and developed an idea for an invention.
• The effectiveness of the oral presentation to convince the audience that the invention
is needed, is workable, and has the potential for a return on investment.