Assignment
Necessity is the mother of invention. Yet after an inventor has created his vision, that vision becomes a necessity. American and its history are full of visionary inventors. The necessities of life that they have created are a result of a vision, the determination to carry out the vision, and the ability to create a need for the vision.
Objectives
- To engage in creative problem solving
- To discover a sense of vision and practice taking risks
- To produce a vision for public display
- To present original information for a panel of businesspeople
Scenario
You are one member of a design team. Your team is to design an invention that represents a technological advance. After your designs are complete, you will present your invention to marketing and sales representative from Perot Systems in Dallas. Be prepared to answer questions from the panel. Your design team will be graded based on the originality, creativity, plausibility, vision, risk, and thoroughness of your design.
Steps in the Young Einstein Process
- Brainstorm in two directions. Look for needs in society and brainstorm original inventions to fill each need. Also brainstorm inventions and then create a need within society for each invention.
- Come to a consensus as a design team on one invention.
- Design the invention.
- Create a multimedia presentation using technology to pitch your invention to the people at Perot Systems.
- Rehearse the oral presentation which will accompany your presentation.
Results
On Tuesday, April 23, 1996, twenty five freshmen students from the Curtis Phoenix program presented their ideas for the technology of the future to Perot Systems Corporation. After spending five days working in design teams, the students visited Perot Systems, each team armed with a printed prospectus, detailed PowerPoint proposal, laptop computer, briefcase, enthusiasm, and a few jitters.
The teams first visited the Compute Utility building in Richardson. Here they got to tour the primary NationsBank computer facility for the nation. Not only did they meet in the "War Room" and tour "Mission Control," but they also had the opportunity to talk to engineers while standing in an unfinished robot for later use in the tape library.
Later the same day, the students traveled to the main PSC facility in Dallas. Here they heard a company overview which reiterated and expanded on the research the classes had already completed. As a break they toured H. Ross Perot’s office and his vast collection of Americana memorabilia. Although Mr. Perot was allegedly in the building, he did not make an appearance on the tour.
Following the tour, the students made their proposals in front of their peers, as well as representatives from management, finance, training, and sales. Students pitched ideas from a EcoLite car and Sky Road Spy navigation system, both detecting traffic and speed traps to a Super Shower computer saving each individual’s favorite shower setting. Students fell under a barrage of questions regarding the technology, financing, and partnering with Perot Systems needed for each project.
After a satisfying lunch in the cafeteria with the workers, the students met with Jim Cannevino, the president of Perot Systems. Mr. Cannevino spoke about his vision of the future of technology and the role that the students might take in that future. He also encouraged both their creativity and their practicality as they approached everything in their lives.
The students walked away from this field trip with the confidence and enthusiasm to face the "real" world. They felt confident in their ideas, planning, and presentation skills. This positive experience definitely left them enthusiastic for more.
special thanks to the inspiration of Staci Kalmbacher of Allen ISD and 7th Level and Karen Kraft, last heard of at Coppell ISD
originally coded 1996