Those of you looking to get technology for your classroom might want
to consider a topic of "invention" as it relates to SCIENCE, too, and
that is considered a more important subject by many who control the
money (sad but true). You could design a lesson that includes a
digital camera and your mini grant could be for the camera (or even a
printer and camera). Check your local county education office for
Elementary students could design an invention to do a task that they
don't like doing. Make model out of cardboard, paper, wire, tooling
foil etc (you get the idea).
Draw a schematic drawing on "parchment" paper (parchment look paper)
in pen and ink (similar to the patent drawings on the site).
Photograph the model and print out images for you own book of
inventions. Include student writing about what the invention does
(using Word or other software). You could even use Publisher to set up
the pages for the book of inventions (scan in drawings to be used).
Photographs could be added to the original drawing, too. Use
photographs in PowerPoint for Art Show - have looping though
out....Work in collaboration with science teacher (maybe with unit on
machines)....You get the idea.....