Help your young innovators take their ideas to the next level with this thoughtful and student-friendly research worksheet! Whether you're guiding students through an invention unit, design challenge, or project-based learning activity, “Investigate Your Problem” is the perfect tool to support purposeful inquiry and problem-focused thinking.

Students choose a real-world problem they care about, then use four open-ended questions to research and better understand the issue from different angles. This critical thinking step encourages empathy, curiosity, and deeper exploration—essential skills for any budding inventor or changemaker!

✅ What's Included:

• One-page worksheet (printable & digital-friendly)
  
• Four scaffolded, open-ended research questions
  
• Perfect companion for invention or design thinking projects
  

Use It For:

• STEM & STEAM units
  
• Invention Convention prep
  
• Genius Hour / Passion Projects
  
• Makerspace exploration
  
• Problem-based learning activities
  
• Early finisher challenge
  

This resource is part of the Idea Hatchery EDU collection—where we spark curiosity, grow imagination, and empower problem-solvers! Pair this worksheet with our “Two Patents and an Idea” activity for a full-circle invention experience.