Active learning ideas
While the terms are often used together, invention and innovation represent different stages of the creative process. This topic helps students differentiate between creating something entirely new (invention) and improving upon an existing product or process to better meet consumer needs (innovation). Students explore how innovation drives competition and keeps the Canadian market dynamic.
Activity 01
Groups are given an original invention (e.g., the telephone). They must research and present a timeline of three major innovations that followed, explaining how each change made the product more useful or accessible.
What is the difference between an invention and an innovation?
Activity 02
Students are given a mundane object (like a paperclip or a coffee cup). They have 20 minutes to 'innovate' it for a specific target market (e.g., seniors, campers) and must present their prototype to the class.
How does innovation drive business success?
Activity 03
Students identify a recent innovation that changed how they live (like music streaming or food delivery apps). They discuss with a partner what 'old' business was disrupted and whether the change was entirely positive.
Can you identify a recent innovation that disrupted a market?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Innovation is only about high-tech gadgets.
Students often think of iPhones and robots. By looking at innovations in services (like curbside pickup) or processes (like the assembly line), they learn that innovation can happen in any industry, at any level.
Inventions are always successful businesses.
Many inventions never make it to market because they don't solve a consumer problem or are too expensive. Comparing 'failed' inventions with successful innovations helps students understand the importance of market fit.
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