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How to Use Inventa (Teacher's Notes)

Code #131 25.00

A very useful book to support model making using INVENTA and any other component system. Deals with classroom issues such as professional development, school policy, assessment, organisation, planning activities, safety, progression and evaluation. When addressing the INVENTA system of components and support materials, this book introduces the components, methods of using, designing, integration, topics packs, tools and so on. Supplied free within the Inventa School Starter Pack.

Inventa Book of Mechanisms.

Code #125 49.00

Primarily this book is intended for use in schools to help deliver the technology and science curriculums. It provides an encyclopedia of mechanisms which students can dip into for ideas, information and explanation. Key areas are cross referenced at the bottom of each page. Some of these refer to other books, such as Inventa Book of Structures. The book explains all the basic mechanical devices. The targeted learning age is 6 - 15 yrs. It is presented using essential language supported by hundreds of colour cartoon representations aimed at communicating principles rather than developing academic rigour. This book is supplied within the Inventa School Starter or KiwAuz Packs. Class sets at reduced prices are also available.

Inventa Book of Structures.

Code #126 59.00

To be released mid 1999. Another in the BOOK OF series from Valiant Technology this book covers the topic of Structures in an informative and stimulating way. Targeting students learning ages 6 - 15 yrs. Five chapters that look at; what makes a structure, where we see structures, basic concepts, types of loads, strain elasticity, stress, strength, columns, struts, beams, bricks, stones, cantilevers, composite materials, pre-stressing, arches, vaults, buttresses, trusses, frames, ropes, catenaries and a wide range of structural ideas.

"Make It" video and booklet.

Code #133 85.00

This video, produced by Valiant Technology is ideal for staff training or using as required with children in the classroom. It is about how to use tools and get good quality results safely.
It has been split into short, on screen indexed sections dealing with safe and useful tips when marking out, cutting, measuring, making holes, assembling, joining & finishing. These sections are best viewed as the relevant tools are being introduced rather than as a complete viewing.
The accompanying booklet How To Use The Make It Video is a publication that is supplied FREE with the Make It video. Essentially the booklet describes the sections, the length and content of those indexed sections as they appear within the video. For example: - section 16 Bending And Shaping 16.1 Folding Paper and Card. (.75 min.) Shows how to score and bend paper or card using the slider cutter and a school ruler. The rear section introduces some commonly used technology modelling tools. (Both are supplied in the Inventa School Starter Pack).

Inventa Techniques Sheets

Code #129 65.00

This set of photocopiable (within an institution) cards have been arranged into three main sections. A complete set of sheets is supplied within the Inventa School Starter or KiwAuz Packs. Whilst they are an Inventa labelled product the projects cards could easily be used with a number of other systems and found materials.

1. Introduction to Inventa techniques.
These 21 cards describe the Inventa components in detail showing by appropriate sketches how they integrate with other Inventa components or found materials. They also deal with combinations of components that could be used to produce convenient mechanisms or machines for use within a student's own design. There is considerable cross reference to the Make It video and Inventa Book of Mechanisms.

2. Materials.
Three pages of basic details on a variety of found (recyclable) materials including, wood, plastic, paper and card.

3. Methods of fastening.
Shows some simple methods of joining different materials and components to one another.

4. Projects.
Twenty one pages of concept projects and ideas. These extremely useful resource cards are laid out with a concept theme or support story. They lend themselves conveniently to supporting design brief ideas. There is considerable cross reference to other support resources as well as helpful suggestions for resource teachers as they are planning the availability of materials and components.

5. The Buggy.
This is a project designed to encourage successful participation by new comers to model making. The easy step by step pages, if followed per instruction, will result in the student having experienced the correct way to measure, mark, cut, drill, assemble, join and use appropriate tools to accomplish those tasks. There are many cross references to other resources.

Topic Materials: Food and Farming

Code #132 17.78

Why did some people invent gears? hat gave them the ideas? Why do some inventions become popular quickly while others take thousands of years? How do social circumstances influence technology and how does technology affect society? Approaching technology offers a rich insight into all these questions. Food and Farming is informative, colourful and covers food sourcing and processing from cave man days. Certainly the best valued book of its kind and a must for any New Zealand school.

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