Whether it's heavy backpacks, uninspiring lunches, school bullies or piles of homework, school life for fourth-graders can be rife with problems that need solving. This class of invention could include a system for backing up lost homework, a silent alarm for when bullies strike or a way to transport school supplies with greater ease. Students can think through each part of their day in search of difficult, boring, painful or otherwise problematic experiences that an invention could alleviate.
Maintaining personal hygiene requires daily repetition of activities that many fourth-graders -- not to mention adults -- find tedious. This has already led to the invention of electric toothbrushes, disposable flossers, automatic shavers and a steady stream of new and improved razors, shower gels and hair products. To come up with a project for an Invention Convention, fourth-graders can brainstorm about their daily routines for ideas to improve experiences like showering, brushing or styling hair, brushing and flossing teeth or washing and drying clothes.
Many fourth-graders help take care of the family pet, an activity that could serve as springboard for a wide range of invention ideas. Inventions could help deal with pet waste, such as long-distance or automatic dog waste scoopers, advanced litter boxes to reduce smell or cleaning time, or fishbowls that change their own water. Other inventions could be developed to keep pets occupied, entertained or contained, or even to protect kids from overeager pouncing, licking, scratching or biting.
Fourth-graders could also look to their household chores to come up with ideas for an invention. Devices that could simplify their workload around the house include pulley or conveyor belt systems to transport garbage or dirty dishes. An automatic car-washing system or mail-gatherer would also make life easier. Don't forget the possibility of preventive measures, either. Spill-proof tablecloths, dust-proof coverings, nonstick plates or cups that can't tip over would all help nip chores in the bud. Think of the parts of life that cause problems, and find ways to eliminate the problems or improve their solutions.