Req 2 — Choose Your Research Path
For this requirement, you will choose exactly one path. Both options teach you how inventors think, work, and solve problems. The difference is whether you learn from a living inventor in a conversation or from inventors through reading and research.
Your Options
- Req 2a — Interview an Inventor: Talk directly with an adult who invented a useful item or process. You will hear real stories about problems, failures, revisions, and what it took to turn an idea into something useful.
- Req 2b — Study Inventors: Read about three inventors, then choose one to report on. You will compare different inventing journeys and practice spotting the habits and decisions that led to success.
How to Choose
Choosing your option
Think about access, time, and the kind of learning you want
- Access to a real inventor: If your family, school, troop, or community can help you find someone to interview, Option 2a gives you a firsthand look at inventing.
- Time and scheduling: Option 2b is often easier to complete on your own schedule because books, articles, and videos are available anytime.
- What you will gain: Option 2a builds interviewing and listening skills. Option 2b builds research and comparison skills.
- How personal you want the experience to feel: Option 2a can be more memorable because you can ask follow-up questions about real setbacks and decisions. Option 2b lets you explore famous inventors from different times and fields.
- What kind of evidence you can bring to your counselor: Option 2a works well if you take strong notes during a conversation. Option 2b works well if you enjoy organizing facts from multiple sources.
You do not need to choose the “harder” option. Choose the one that gives you the clearest chance to learn something real about how invention happens.
You can also think ahead to Requirement 6. If you plan to create your own invention later, either option can help. An interview gives you practical advice from someone who has done it. Reading about three inventors shows you that there is no single “inventor personality” — different people invent in different ways.
National Inventors Hall of Fame — Meet the Inductees A large collection of inventor profiles that can help you research inventors or find inspiration for strong interview questions.Next, you will start with the first option page: interviewing an inventor. Even if you end up choosing Req 2b, reading both pages can help you understand both paths before you decide.