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Week 2 DQ 1 ...

Week 2 DQ 1
Looking over a list of the world’s inventions is in itself a good reminder that we each “stand on the shoulders” of those who have gone before us. It also brings to mind the fact that we take a lot for granted. Doing this exercise we may even come to think that all the world’s inventions are already here and in use. What an interesting creativity-blocker that could be! Then delving into the mind of any inventor exposes us to the very creative process itself, to the ways critical thinking shaped original ideas, and to the interesting steps that brought an innovative idea to market. Even the naming of an invention can in itself invite us into the creative process!

For this Discussion Question, you are invited to explore one of several websites that document the world’s great inventions, four of which are referenced below (holding the Ctrl Key & clicking on the Link should bring up the website). Select any 3 of your favorite inventions (A to Z), read up on the person or people behind it, the process that was used to create and develop it, and complete the attached “Inventors Elements Matrix”, with brief entries for each box on the table, as applicable. Note that the “Stages in the Creative Process” are divided into two- the beginning and completion of that process. Try to add comments for each invention in each of those. After completing the Matrix, study it, and respond to this question in 100 to 150 words:

What do you learn about the Creative Process, generalizing from these three inventions? And how might this observation motivate you as a creative thinker?

References

About.com (2011). Famous Inventions: A to Z. Retrieved from The New York Times Company About.com Website: http://inventors.about.com/od/astartinventions/a/FamousInvention.htm

EnchantedLearning.com (1996-2010). Zoom Inventors and Inventions. Retrieved from WGBH Educational Foundation Website: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors