....our girls to come up with an invention that no one really needs from materials that no one really uses, with time that no one really has, and they failed miserably.  They came up with some clever concepts that could change industries!

What inspired your "useless" invention?  We just thought it would be cool to keep you hydrated and full while working in your garage.  The goggles protect your eyes if you are working with wood.

How does your invention work?  You fill one side with liquid and the other side with snacks and then you just drink through the straw. 

How could this invention be used in a real-world situation?  It would be good at a tailgate with friends and family.

What inspired your "useless" invention?  While creating another invention, the sandpaper was scraping up our fingers and hands, so we came up with an invention that saves your hands.  They are your "Sand Buddies".  

How does your invention work? You hold the stick and you move your hands back and forth.  You roll it to smooth out the surface.

How could this invention be used in a real-world situation?  It is going to help us in shop class, and it is going to help beginner sanders.  It can be used for occupational therapy.  

What inspired your "useless" invention? I wanted to create a cute and comfortable pillow!  I was tired from wrestling practice the night before and wished I had a pillow to lay my head on!

How does your invention work? It is a work in progress, but the burger will have two sides.  You open the burger and place your head where the patty would be!  

How could this invention be used in a real-world situation?  You could use the pillow while taking long trips or while flying on an airplane. 

What inspired your "useless" invention? I actually started to make a lip gloss applicator, but the applicator part spun too fast.  It made a nice breeze, so I decided to innovate it and make it a personal "box" fan.  Get it? It could be used as a make up or nail polish dryer, too. 

How does your invention work?  On the front of the box, there is the battery pack which controls off or on. The battery pack is connected to a motor through wires which  nakes it spin. Then off the motor is a gear which holds on the fan. 

How could this invention be used in a real-world situation?  Painting nails, doing makeup, basically anything to do with having to dry something quickly.  

Day 1: Introducing Simone Giertz and Discussing Useless Inventions

Objective: Students will understand the concept of useless inventions and explore the motivations behind creating them.

Materials:

- Simone Giertz's TED Talk video: "Why you should make useless things" (available on TED's official website or YouTube)

Procedure:

1. Warm-up activity (10 minutes):

   - Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever encountered a useless invention. Allow them to share their experiences and opinions about these inventions.

2. Introduction to Simone Giertz (10 minutes):

   - Share a brief background about Simone Giertz, a Swedish inventor and robotics enthusiast known for creating useless machines.

   - Explain that the class will watch a TED Talk by Simone Giertz to gain insights into her passion for making useless things.

3. TED Talk viewing (15 minutes):

   - Play Simone Giertz's TED Talk video: "Why you should make useless things" for the class.

   - Encourage students to actively listen, take notes, and pay attention to the key points Simone Giertz discusses.

4. Discussion (15 minutes):

   - Lead a class discussion based on the TED Talk, using the following prompt questions:

     - Why does Simone Giertz believe in making useless things?

     - What are the benefits of creating useless inventions, according to Giertz?

     - How can useless inventions contribute to personal growth or creativity?

5. Inventive brainstorming (15 minutes):

   - Divide the class into small groups or pairs.

   - Provide art supplies (such as cardboard, glue, scissors, etc.) for those who want to create physical inventions, or alternatively, allow them to sketch their ideas on paper.

   - Instruct students to brainstorm and design their own useless inventions. Encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

6. Group presentations (15 minutes):

   - Ask each group to present their invented useless machines to the class.

   - Prompt other students to provide constructive feedback, emphasizing positive aspects and offering suggestions for improvement.

Day 2: Building Useless Inventions and Reflection

Objective: Students will build their own useless inventions following concise instructions and reflect on the experience.

Materials:

- Art supplies (cardboard, glue, scissors, tape, etc.)

  (Note: Ensure there are adequate supplies for students to construct their inventions)

- Student reflections from Day 1

Procedure:

1. Reviewing reflections (10 minutes):

   - Begin the lesson by allowing students to share their reflections on the TED Talk from the previous day. Encourage open discussion and respectful exchange of ideas.

2. Introduction to the invention task (10 minutes):

   - Explain to students that they will now have the opportunity to create their own useless inventions.

   - Revise the instructions for building a useless invention:

     - Emphasize the importance of safety during the construction process.

     - Encourage students to be creative and not worry about their inventions not serving a practical purpose.

   - Remind students to use art supplies carefully and efficiently.

3. Building useless inventions (35 minutes):

   - Provide the necessary materials and allow students to construct their inventions.

   - Walk around the classroom, offering assistance and encouragement when needed.

   - If possible, play some light background music to create a conducive and enjoyable atmosphere.

4. Invention showcase and reflection (15 minutes):

   - Ask students to prepare their useless inventions for a mini-showcase.

   - Allow each student/group to present their created inventions to their classmates.

   - After the presentations, ask students to reflect on the experience:

     - Did they face any challenges during the construction process? How did they overcome them?

     - How did it feel to create something that has no practical use?

     - Did they discover anything new about themselves or their creative abilities?

     - Did their perspective on useless inventions change after the hands-on experience?

5. Group discussion and conclusion (15 minutes):

   - Initiate a class discussion based on the reflections shared.

   - Summarize the key takeaways of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of creative thinking, embracing failure, and finding joy in the process rather than focusing on practical outcomes.

   - Encourage students to apply these lessons outside of the classroom in their future endeavors.

Note: It is essential to ensure the safety of students during the construction of their inventions. Provide clear instructions on the proper use of tools and materials, and monitor the students accordingly.