Caleb and Grandpa didn’t have time at the Patent Office to learn all they might about all the fascinating inventions that came about before Grandpa invented the Incredible Counting Machine… They were too busy escaping from Mr Smyth and the Russians!

Here are two challenging activities that will fill you in on some of the world’s greatest and most useful inventions. Once you have had a go – challenge other members of your family and see if they can do better!

Activity 1 – Patent Pending

Growing up, I remember reading the words “patent pending” on board games and toys and having absolutely no idea what it meant! It took me a long time to figure out that it meant someone had applied for a Patent, but were still waiting for it. So Patent Pending is basically a warning: don’t copy this idea because it is on its way to being protected!

I think you’ll have fun with this challenge. Can you put these familiar objects in order of when they were invented? If you print it out you can cut out the objects and place them on the square you think is the correct one. There is a file to download and print below (and one for the answers!)

Activity 2 – Trivial Patent Pursuit

Have you ever heard the saying “small is beautiful”?! I have no idea why that would be true, if it is, but here are 4 very small inventions that have proved themselves very useful!

Can you use the clues to figure out who invented which item, and in what year? You also need to confirm their nationality. You might be glad of the help of an adult with this challenge…

You are going to have to wait for a couple of days for the answers – but you will know if you got it right!