Project Presentations on Monday, 12 February

Introduction

You will research an invention of the Industrial Revolution and present it in the style of a ‘Shark Tank’ product pitch.

Choose one of the technologies listed below to pitch to Shark Tank: IR. Write your pitch as if you would be presenting it to a wealthy investor during the 19th century. Be creative, accurate, and catchy. On a piece of paper include (a) the title or name of the invention or technology, (b) a typed pitch – approximately 250 words, and (c) a picture of the invention or technology.

Presentations

In-class presentations on Monday, 12 February.  All members of groups of two to three must be ready to present and answer questions on their product.

Options

Steam Engine – James Watt

Cotton Gin – Eli Whitney

Telegraph – Samuel Morse

Telephone – Alexander G. Bell

Seed Drill – Jethro Tull

Smallpox Vaccine – Edward Jenner

Steel Plow – John Deere

Model T Car – Henry Ford

Mechanical Reaper – Cyrus McCormick

Airplane – Orville/Wilbur Wright

Lightbulb – Thomas Edison

Pasteurization – Louis Pasteur

Your Presentation Must Include

1. What is technology/invention?
   1. Describe what it does.
   2. When was it invented and by whom?
   3. What problem does it solve?
2. Will it replace any existing technology or is it brand new?
   1. If it does replace something, why is yours better?
3. How will this technology change lives/the world?
4. How does your technology/invention impact the everyday person? (highlight the positives, downplay the negatives.)
5. You may include any brochures, posters, handouts, etc that you think would sway the panel of investors to back your product.

Rubric

| Information | The project should present information that is accurate, detailed, and relevant.   Points will be deducted for missing information or factual errors. | 40 pts | | --- | --- | --- | | Presentation | The presentation must be organized, stylish, and engaging.   Points will be deducted if the presentation is messy or rushed. | 30 pts | | Participation | All group members must contribute the project and presentation.   Points will be deducted if a student has not actively contributed to the project. | 20 pts | | Creative Effort | The project and presentation should be neat, organized, and show that time, thought, and effort was invested its making.   Points will be deducted if the project is lacking in creative effort or time investment. | 10 pts |

Tips for Group Presentations

1. Treat the presentation as a real product pitch to investors. Your presentation will be more engaging if you are enthusiastic.
2. Everyone should actively contribute to their presentations. Even if this doesn’t involve speaking in front of the class, you should be ready to answer questions, pass out extra materials, or otherwise see that the presentation is a success.
3. Speak loudly and clearly when presenting to the class.