Creative Dad CompanyCreative Dad Company
EngineeringTechnology

Invention Patent Office

Log in to save
Grades 3-560-75 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids play patent examiners, testing whether classmates' invented gadgets actually do what they claim before deciding whether to grant a pretend patent. It turns peer feedback into a rigorous, funny, and genuinely useful testing process.

Budget levels

Materials list coming soon to members

Materials links go to Amazon. Prices are estimates and may change. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases.

Quick Start

Digital downloads only. $0 to buy. Printing is noted separately.

Materials list coming soon.

Student time: one class period, one day.

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one class period on a single day.

Scale back: Fit it into a shorter period, use fewer effects, or run a demo instead of a build.

Scale up: Add one extra effect, or spread the share-out across another day.

Ambiance video

Ambiance video coming soon from Creative Dad Studio

Full Experience

Up to $25 per class (class of about 30, 6 groups).

Materials list coming soon.

Student time: one day.

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one school day.

Scale back: Fit the build into one period with fewer effects.

Scale up: Spread the work across days, or add more effects.

Total Transformation

The bigger kit, priced per class (class of about 30, 6 groups).

Materials list coming soon.

Student time: one day (one session, one-day event).

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one session, a one-day event.

Scale back: Shorten the event, or run a demo for a smaller audience.

Scale up: Spread the build and the event across days, or invite a bigger audience.

Choose your version

Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Student time: 45 min, one class periodTeacher prep / build-ahead: 10 min$0 to buy. Printing noted separately.One table or a clear section of floorBeginner-friendly

Setup

Place common or recycled supplies for Invention Patent Office on one work surface and choose a safe area for the test. Read the four activity directions aloud; drawings, paper models, and household substitutes may replace specialized materials, and no digital tool is required.

Activity

  1. Write a patent claim for an invented gadget, predicting exactly what problem it will solve and how well it will work.
  2. Build the invention using available craft and recycled materials to match the patent claim.
  3. Test the invention in front of the patent office, then redesign a part when it fails to do what the claim promised.
  4. Hold a patent hearing where each inventor demonstrates the final version and the office votes to grant or deny the patent.

Ambiance video

Ambiance video coming soon from Creative Dad Studio

Done when: The group produces the Invention Patent Office solution, completes the described test, makes the revision called for by the evidence, and supports its final explanation with an observed or measured result.

Materials

assorted craft and recycled materials, index cards for patent claims, tape, stopwatch, an approved stamp or stickers

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Materials links go to Amazon. Prices are estimates and may change.

As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases.

Steps

  1. Write a patent claim for an invented gadget, predicting exactly what problem it will solve and how well it will work.
  2. Build the invention using available craft and recycled materials to match the patent claim.
  3. Test the invention in front of the patent office, then redesign a part when it fails to do what the claim promised.
  4. Hold a patent hearing where each inventor demonstrates the final version and the office votes to grant or deny the patent.

Standards mapped

  • NGSS · 3-5-ETS1-3

    Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.