Step 4: Test and Revise

The final step in inventing is to test and revise. That is, the invention is tested and then minor changes are made to “fine tune” it. But expect to revise and test many times. You don’t often get it right the first time.

I Did It!

You slip a can of lemonade into your new cup holder. Whoops! The weight of the full can makes the holder slip on the handlebars. The lemonade spills out. You ponder this new problem. Just twisting the wire around the handlebars isn’t enough. You need to create a tighter grip. What about duct tape?

You find a roll of tape. You use a few strips of tape to strap the wire firmly onto the handlebars. Then, you test the holder with the can again. This time it stays in place! Pat yourself on the back—you’ve just invented your own bike-handlebar-cup holder!

Photograph of girl on her bicycle with cup holder attached to handlebar
In Other Words

  • minor small

  • ponder think carefully about

  • Pat yourself on the back Be proud of yourself

Before You Move On

  • 1. Steps in a Process What is the final step in creating an invention? Why is this step important?

  • 2. Problem and Solution What other problem could happen with the cup holder device? How might you solve that problem?