Be An Inventor!

by John Riggio

"Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere." - Albert Einstein

This is an upbeat song that is sure to grab your students' attention. Have you ever had an idea you thought could make life better? Maybe you could be an inventor! This is a tune you might consider using for Kid Inventor Day, January 17th, which also happens to be the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, who was a kid inventor himself. (He invented swim fins when he was 11 years old.) Age isn't important when it comes to inventing stuff – it's the idea that counts. So if you come across a young person with great ideas, you might encourage them to be an inventor!

The song begins by listing several items, all of which had an inventor. When you stop to think that someone had to invent that item, it makes you wonder what else could be invented to make life better. What is possible? Use this piece as a beginning point for discussion, brainstorming, and yes, maybe even some inventing. Invite the classroom teacher to join in as well.

Even though this song is fairly easy to sing, we've included a vocal guide played on piano and electric piano to keep your students on track.

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.