Student Success Stories of the No Cry™ Hair Tie and Amazing™ Lid
Applied STEM learning is gaining prominence in the powerful study of teaching innovation and invention in schools across the world. One exemplary model of this is Inventionland Education’s applied STEM course, which has transformed classrooms into hubs of creativity and innovation.
This program has already produced remarkable results, with two standout products—the No Cry Hair Tie and the Amazing Lid—gaining significant attention and success.
The Journey of the No Cry Hair Tie
Mia Mertz and Madison Mulato, students in the United States, embarked on an innovative journey through Inventionland Education’s applied STEM course while attending Grove City Middle School in Pennsylvania. They identified a common problem people with long hair face: the discomfort and damage caused by traditional hair ties.
Mia and Madison developed the No Cry Hair Tie with determination and creativity. This innovative hair accessory eliminates the pain and damage typically associated with regular hair ties. Their design incorporates soft, flexible materials and an ergonomic shape that ensures a comfortable fit without pulling or breaking hair.
Their hard work and ingenuity paid off when the No Cry Hair Tie secured a licensing agreement, paving the way for mass production and distribution.
This groundbreaking product debuted at the Inspired Home Show in Chicago in April 2024, the largest housewares show in the world, attracting buyers and sellers from 120 countries.
Already available on Amazon.com, the No Cry Hair Tie will hit retail stores later this year.
The Amazing Lid: A Global Innovation
Meanwhile, halfway across the world in Jordan, another group of students engaged in the Youth Innovation Project, a collaborative effort between Amideast, the Jordan Ministry of Youth, and Inventionland® Education, made waves with their own invention.
Students developed the Amazing Lid by working through the real-world 9-step method for inventing from Inventionland Education. This innovative product addresses a common problem by creating a silicon lid that stretches to fit most coffee and drink cups.
Like Mia and Madison, the students from Jordan secured a licensing agreement for their product. The Amazing Lid also made its worldwide debut at the Inspired Home Show in Chicago, where it garnered interest from buyers across the world. With its debut in retail stores slated for later this year, the Amazing Lid is already available on Amazon.com and other online websites, where it aims to solve the problem of missing card cup lids.
The Impact on Students’ Learning and Future
The success of these products underscores the profound impact of Inventionland Education’s applied STEM course on students’ learning experiences. Students develop critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills that extend beyond traditional classroom learning by engaging in real-world problem-solving. This hands-on approach enhances their understanding of STEM concepts and cultivates entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.
Moreover, the experience of bringing an invention to market gives students a unique and compelling story for their college entry essays. The journey from identifying a problem to developing a solution, securing a licensing agreement, and unveiling a product at a significant international show demonstrates initiative, perseverance, and innovation. These achievements highlight the students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills meaningfully, setting them apart in the competitive college admissions process.
The stories of the No Cry Hair Tie and the Amazing Lid exemplify the transformative power of applied STEM education. Through Inventionland Education’s program, students like Mia, Madison, and those from Jordan are learning valuable technical skills and gaining practical experience in innovation and entrepreneurship. As these products make their way to retail shelves, they stand as a testament to the potential of young innovators to make a significant impact on the world.