Getting Started
First, get to know about your invention. Read as much information about it as you can find. Use both the Internet and the library; try Enchanted Learning’s Inventors and Inventions pages, the MIT Inventor Archive, a good search engine, an encyclopedia, and individual books on inventors and inventions.
As you’re reading about your invention, take notes about key information, such as what your invention does, who invented it, when it was invented, and how this invention has helped people.
Our Biography Graphic Organizers can help students plan the major topics that will be researched and covered in a biography report.
The Structure of the Invention Report
Start your report with an introductory paragraph that states the main ideas that you will be writing about. Then write at least four to five paragraphs that clearly describe your invention. Each paragraph should cover one topic (for example, you should have at least one paragraph that covers the inventor, giving information on when the inventor was born, what education he/she had, other inventions he/she made, etc.). End the report with a closing paragraph that summarizes what you wrote and learned.
Finally, cite your references (see the section below on formats for your bibliography).
Check that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct. Make sure to use complete sentences and write neatly! Define any technical terms that you use. Proofread your report for errors before you hand it in — do not hand in a rough draft.
Topics to Research and Include in Your Report
When you write your report, try to answer as many of the following questions as you can:
- What the invention does: Clearly explain what the invention does and how it can be used. Is it used for communication, transportation, fun, food, medicine, science, or something else?
- When was it invented: Give the date of the invention, and the date of the patent (if appropriate).
- Who invented it: Who was the inventor? When did this inventor live, how was this inventor educated, and where did he/she live? If you can find out, tell why the inventor wanted to invent the invention. Did this inventor invent other things?
- What other inventions led up to this invention: Describe the earlier inventions that led to this invention. For example, the electric arc light preceded and led to the invention of the incandescent light bulb.
- The importance of the invention: Explain why the invention is important. Has it saved lives, helped transportation, simplified communication, increased the food supply, or is it simply fun? Has it been improved upon since it was invented? Did it lead to other inventions?
Citing Your References
When you write your bibliography, list all of your references. Formats for each type of publication follows (there are different formats for different media):
- Web Site: Author(s) if appropriate. Title of web page. Title of web site, date of publication (the earliest copyright year listed), URL of web page
- Book: Author(s). Title of book. Edition. Location of publisher: Name of publisher, year of publication.
- Encyclopedia: Title of encyclopedia, volume of encyclopedia used. Location of publisher: Name of publisher, year of publication, page numbers where the article is located.
- Magazine or Journal: Author(s). “Title of article.” Name of magazine, Volume.issue (date): page numbers where the article is located.
Author(s) are listed last name first, first name or initials (exactly as the name is written in the publication).
For example: “Zoom Inventors and Inventions” would be cited as follows:
Col, Jeananda. Zoom Inventors and Inventions. Enchanted Learning, 2000, http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/inventors/
For more on EnchantedLearning’s bibliography and author, click here.
Some teachers also request that you include the date of access; this is the date (or dates) that you went to the web page (or pages).
Report Rubric
The following is a simple rubric for assessing each part of your research report:
Please use a larger or desktop browser to view the rubric.
| Beginning 1 |
Developing 2 |
Accomplished 3 |
Excellent 4 |
Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Disorganized, no information on what is to come | Gives too little information. | Summarizes report | Concise, well-written introduction | |
| Research Part 1 (describe the invention) |
Does not cover all appropriate topics | Covers some of the appropriate topics. | Covers most of the appropriate topics. | All appropriate topics covered well. Also includes interesting facts. | |
| Research Part 2 (describe the inventor) |
Does not cover all appropriate topics | Covers some of the appropriate topics. | Covers most of the appropriate topics. | All appropriate topics covered well. Also includes interesting facts. | |
| Spelling/Grammar | Many spelling and grammatical errors | A few errors | Only one or two errors | Spelling and grammar perfect | |
| Presentation | Illegible, messy | Almost illegible | Legible writing, accompanying illustrations | Well organized presentation, typed or written using a word processor, clear accompanying illustrations | |
| References | No references | A single reference, incomplete citation | Several references with incomplete citations | Many references, listed in appropriate format | |
| Timeliness | Over a week late | A week late | A day or two late | Handed in on time |