Patent Attorney Encourages 5th Graders at Glenbrook via Google Hangout

I was able to observe an amazing learning opportunity today!  Fifth graders at Glenbrook Elementary have been spending some valuable time learning about inventions and creating their own invention to solve a current problem or fill a need on the market.  Prior to today, they shared pictures and descriptions of their creation with a Patent Attorney, Kerri, from Minnesota.  Today, the Patent Attorney participated in a Google Hangout with the 5th graders to discuss the importance of and need for patents as well as to provide feedback on their inventions!

During the discussion, students asked the Patent Attorney some questions regarding patents:

"How many patents have you written?"

"How come people can't copy each other's books?"

"Can people apply for a second patent if the first one has expired?"

"Do companies like Target get patents?"

During the invention feedback, Kerry, the Patent Attorney, recognized a few inventions from the students that he thought were great and could make it to market.  Those include:  The Sock Monster, a product to hold socks until you find the partner; Marker Everlasting, a product that will rejuvenate dried up markers, Night Horse, a light up harness so a student can see her horse in the dark, and Finger Saver, a tool that functions like a hammer but has a magnetic tip to avoid smashing fingers.  

Students in Mr. Hendricks, Mrs. Melberg, Mr. Slemkes and Mrs. Kasten's classes were able to engage in conversation with an expert in another state!  Technology has provided the means to the research and is allowing us to bring many experts into our classrooms for deeper learning regardless of location.  However,  more importantly, the teachers have provided the task and encouraged the creativity, and the students provided and developed critical thinking, collaboration and creativity skills to develop amazing inventions!  Kudos to Glenbrook 5th grade students and teachers!