Learning & Discovery (Trivia): Inventions and Everyday Wonders
- Taylor Kurta
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Duration: 30 - 40 minutes (can be shortened or lengthened depending on the number of trivia questions)
Goals: To spark curiosity, laughter, and social connection through exploring the stories behind everyday inventions.
Description: In this interactive trivia program, participants will discover the surprising origins of familiar inventions - from Velcro to bubble wrap. Through a series of clues, guessing games, and fun facts, participants learn how creativity often grows from curiosity and everyday problem-solving.
The program combines learning with tactile and sensory engagement, inviting participants to explore small objects, sounds, and stories that changed the world in big ways. Each round encourages group discussion and laughter while celebrating the inventive spirit in all of us.
Materials:
Visual images of each invention (printed photos or slides)
Props or tactile samples: bubble wrap, paperclips, Velcro strip, etc. (optional)
Whiteboard or chart paper to record answers or fun facts (optional)
Instructions and script (also provided below)
Adaptations and Facilitator Tips:
Keep clues short and read them slowly for accessibility (you can also write them on a whiteboard so everyone can see)
Pass objects around for sensory stimulation and engagement.
Wait until you give all the clues before showing the picture. If they don't get the item by the third clue, show a picture. If they do guess the clue, you can still show a picture for fun. You can also hand out the item after the group guesses for more sensory engagement.
For lower-engagement days, simplify to a “show-and-tell” format (Show a picture of the item and play, “Guess what this is used for”).
Flow:
Welcome & Warm-Up (2-5 mins)
Trivia Rounds (25–30 mins)
Group Reflection & Closing Discussion (5–10 mins)
Instructions and Script
Facilitator Opening (2–5 mins):
“Welcome, everyone! Today’s program is called Inventions & Everyday Wonders. Have you ever stopped to think about who came up with the things we use every single day? Things like paperclips, zippers, or the toaster - simple ideas that make life easier, often invented by accident! Today, we’ll play a fun trivia game to learn about some of these clever creations. I’ll read a few clues about an invention, and you’ll try to guess what it might be. Then we’ll share a fun story about how it came to be. Let’s warm up by thinking about some of our favourite inventions. What’s one gadget or tool you couldn’t live without?”
Facilitator Tip: Write answers on a board or paper for a visual summary (“coffee maker,” “TV remote,” etc.).
Trivia Rounds (25-30 mins)
Round 1
Clue 1: It was first made to decorate walls.
Clue 2: It makes a very satisfying popping sound.
Clue 3: Now, it’s used to protect fragile packages.
✅ Answer: Bubble Wrap
💡 Fun Fact: "Invented in 1957 by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes as wallpaper! When that failed, they found it worked perfectly for shipping delicate items."
Round 2
Clue 1: It revolutionized breakfast.
Clue 2: Early models required you to flip the bread manually.
Clue 3: It’s known for that “ding!” when it’s done.
✅ Answer: The Toaster
💡 Fun Fact: "The first electric toaster appeared in 1893. People had to flip the bread manually until the automatic pop-up model arrived decades later."
Reflective Prompt: "What did your first toaster look like?"
Round 3
Clue 1: It was inspired by a walk in nature.
Clue 2: It sticks without glue.
Clue 3: Astronauts use it in space!
✅ Answer: Velcro
💡 Fun Fact: Swiss engineer George de Mestral invented Velcro after noticing burrs sticking to his dog’s fur in 1941.
Round 4
Clue 1: It’s tiny but keeps things together.
Clue 2: It’s found in every office.
Clue 3: It doesn’t use glue, staples, or tape.
✅ Answer: Paperclip
💡 Fun Fact: "The paperclip was invented by Johan Vaaler in Norway in the 1890s as a simple way to keep papers neatly together. Many years later, it took on a new meaning in Norway as a quiet symbol of unity and togetherness during difficult times. People began wearing paperclips on their clothing to show that, just like the clip holds papers together, their community was staying strong and connected. Today, the paperclip still represents creativity, resilience, and the idea that even small things can hold great meaning."
Round 5
Clue 1: It was first sold at a world’s fair.
Clue 2: It made dessert portable.
Clue 3: It holds something that melts quickly.
✅ Answer: Ice Cream Cone
💡 Fun Fact: In 1904, an ice cream vendor at the St. Louis World’s Fair ran out of dishes and teamed up with a waffle seller next door - and the cone was born!
Round 6
Clue 1: It changed the way the world shared news and stories.
Clue 2: Early versions appeared in the 1920s and 1930s.
Clue 3: Before flat screens, it was a big box with knobs and antennas!
✅ Answer: The Television
💡 Fun Fact: "The first working TV system was demonstrated by John Logie Baird in 1926. Early TVs showed black-and-white images the size of a postage stamp! Over time, it became a centerpiece of family life, bringing people together to watch, learn, and connect."
Reflective Prompt: “In the 1960s, getting a colour TV was a big milestone for many families. Do you remember when your family got one or when you first saw one? What was that moment like?”
Group Reflection & Closing Discussion (5–10 mins)
"Today we discovered that some of the most amazing ideas began as small accidents or curious experiments. Every invention tells a story and reminds us that creativity can come from anyone, anywhere. Before we end today, I am curious to know what you think is the most important invention to date?"
Engage in group discussion. You can also ask the following:
"Which invention today surprised you the most?"
"What you think makes a person inventive?"
"What is an invention you always wanted to create?"
"Thank you for playing and sharing your ideas today. Who knows, maybe the next great invention will come from this group!”
