Draw an Invention: Kids as Engineers and Dreamers
Every invention starts as a sketch. Kids who draw inventions practise engineering, problem solving and creativity. Try these invention drawing prompts.
Drawing inventions helps kids think like engineers and dreamers at the same time. When a child sketches a machine that ties shoes or a robot that cleans their room, they practise identifying problems, imagining solutions and explaining how things work.
Every invention started as an idea, and most ideas started as a sketch. Kids are natural inventors because they see problems everywhere (especially chores) and are not limited by what seems possible.
The invention drawing process
1. Find a problem. What is annoying, boring or hard?
2. Imagine a solution. What could fix it?
3. Draw it. Sketch the invention.
4. Label the parts. What does each part do?
5. Explain it. How does it work?
Robots: the ultimate invention
Robots are many kids' favorite invention. How to Draw: Cartoon Robots teaches kids to draw robots from boxes and circles, a great foundation for designing their own. Once they can draw a basic robot, ask: "What job would your robot do? What tools would it need?"
Invention prompts
- A machine that makes your bed
- A backpack that carries itself
- Shoes that help you jump higher
- A robot that walks the dog
- An umbrella for a giraffe
- A device that turns broccoli into candy
Label everything
Labels are the difference between a drawing and a design. Encourage kids to add arrows and short notes: "This button makes it fly." Labeling builds writing skills and helps them explain their thinking.
Build a prototype
Some inventions can be built with cardboard, tape and recycled materials. Building from a drawing teaches that plans help, and that real-world building often needs changes.
Celebrate wild ideas
Many real inventions sounded silly at first. Encourage big thinking. For related ideas, see why drawing belongs in STEM.
Questions parents ask
Why should kids draw inventions?
Drawing inventions teaches problem solving, engineering thinking and creativity, and helps children explain how things work.
How do I help my child design an invention?
Help them find a problem, imagine a solution, draw it, label the parts and explain how it works.
What are good invention ideas for kids to draw?
Machines that do chores, gadgets for animals, self-carrying backpacks and robots with special jobs are all fun prompts.
More in creativity and imagination, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
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