The Invention Factory is a place for students to learn real hands-on electronics skills as well as general engineering skills such as drawing, use of tools, and computer assisted design. Students developed projects to be used by people with disabilities to ensure that they learn that engineering has very practical applications.
The orginal three year project will come to a close as of September 2008. Follow up projects are in the works. In the meantime over 450 local students at 12 schools received training in electronics and design. Thousands of dollars worth of modified toys were donated to schools and therapists in Hawaii. Students developed over 20 assistive devices for the community. In addition, students learned to use advanced design and manufacturing tools to create their own steel guitars.
Along the way, students have discovered that the sky’s the limit and their level of success is only capped by their imagination. Dream big, enjoy life and join us! ~ The Invention Factory There are three different levels of involvement:
2007 -2008 Year 3 Invention Factory Workshops
- Level 1 - An introduction to electrical and magnetic concepts and how to use electronics, lights, sounds, and motors to adapt and/or invent toys and devices to help people.
- Fall, Kalakau Intermediate School, Farrington High School, Waipahu High School, Roosevelt High School, Waipahu Intermediate School
- Spring, Stevenson Middle School, Hawaii Homeschool Windward group
- Summer, University Laboratory School Summer Program EE1
- Level 2 - Extended training in electronics, microprocessors and assistive device invention/student project.
- Spring, Farrington High School, Waipahu High School, Roosevelt High School, Waipahu Intermediate School
- Summer, University Laboratory School Summer Programs
- Level 3 - Engineering Skills and Individual Project.
- Spring, Meets at Waipahu HS and University Laboratory School
- Summer, University Laboratory School Summer Programs
This program is sponsored by the University of Hawaii at Manoa Curriculum Research & Development Group and funded in part by the National Science Foundation.