Invention Engine FAQ’s
Do you have a question about Invention Engine? Don’t get your wires crossed. Find your answer here!
Do you have a grant writing guide available?
We do! You can download a copy of our Invention Engine grant writing guide here.
Can I edit or translate the resources?
We want to make computer science education available to everyone, which is why these teaching resources have been released under a Creative Commons licence. You are free to use these resources as they are, translate them, share them or use them as the base to develop your own customised lessons.
The Invention Engine Lesson Plans Set by Microbric Pty Ltd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://www.inventionengine.net.
You are free to:
Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original.
What coding language can I program Invention Engine in?
The Invention Engine block-based programming application, referred to as ‘Invention Blocks’ and ‘the Invention Blocks app’ should look familiar to users of MIT’s popular Scratch language. This Scratch-like language allows users to drag-and-drop coloured blocks into the main programming area, snapping them together to form a program.
Invention Blocks combines the ease of drag-and-drop programming with powerful functionality and versatility. The result is a programming language that is easy to learn and offers a robust platform for computer science education.
You can access Invention Blocks at www.inventionengine.app
Can I order Invention Engine using a school purchase order?
We accept purchase orders from schools in the USA. For more information please see our school orders page.
How does Invention Engine connect to my computer?
The Invention Engine Hub connects to your computer via a USB plug therefore you will require a device that has a USB port to use Invention Engine.
What devices and operating systems can you use with Invention Engine?
Invention Engine is a web based software and your device will require a USB port and a Chrome based browser to work correctly.
Invention Engine will work on Windows PC, Mac and Linux that have a Chrome based browser.
At this time, Invention Engine will not work on Firefox on a Windows PC or Safari on a Mac device.
Do you offer educator discounts?
Invention Engine is designed for the classroom – and so is our pricing! Invention Engine is priced as low as possible to make one set for each student possible. For that reason, no further discounts are possible.
Where can I buy Invention Engine?
If you are a customer located in the USA, Invention Engine is available right here on our website shop!
Looking to purchase from another country? Be sure to sign up to our newsletter to find out when Invention Engine is available in your area.
Why choose Invention Engine?
Seven reasons to choose Invention Engine for your classroom
1. Invention Engine is designed to work with cardboard. This inexpensive material is all you need for students to bring interactive creations to life. Add basic craft materials (such as paint or other art supplies) to the mix and students are able to design, test, debug, improve, decorate and personalize their inventions.
2. Simplicity in design. Invention Engine can be purchased as set kits, each tied to complete educational units, so you will have everything you need to get started. No need to worry about sourcing additional cables, memory cards or electronic components.
3. Engaging, relevant and fun! Invention Engine makes the learning journey a personal one. Each student develops their own invention and approach to solving a problem, making the learning relevant, motivating, challenging, and interesting.
4. Coding with a side effect. The hands-on process of creating a working invention using the Invention Engine Cycle, supports students to develop the tools and skills needed to transform an idea through the design, code, build, test and iterate process into an invention.
5. Low floor high ceiling. The wide-range of Invention Engine bits offers a limitless range of projects across subject areas and skill levels.
6. Reusable, flexible, and inexpensive. Simply remove the Invention Engine bits, and rivets from inventions, recycle your cardboard and reuse the system. Create your own projects and choose your own adventure! You don’t need to follow the resources. You can use Invention Engine to develop projects to suit your specific classroom needs.
7. Buy only what you need. If you need a top up of Invention Engine bits or rivets, or to add an additional Invention Engine bit to your kit – you can. You don’t need to buy the whole kit again.
Who is Invention Engine for?
Invention Engine is for students aged 12+ years old who are learning computer science foundations, the engineer cycle and/or design thinking.
What is Invention Engine?
Invention Engine is a robust, hands-on platform for learning computer science that extends far beyond the screen. This innovative system contains a programmable Invention Engine hub and a range of connectable Invention Engine bits (including LEDs, motors, and sensors) all of which can be easily mounted to cardboard allowing coded creations to come to life. The modular system allows students to begin with the basics, learning by doing as they build up skills and create exciting inventions.