Every student possesses the potential to be an innovator and uncover solutions to problems. Whether it’s a groundbreaking invention, a life-saving cure, or a more efficient process, the seeds of innovation lie within each young mind. Our role as educators is to cultivate these seeds, providing the environment and curriculum in which they can flourish.

However, fostering innovation in the classroom can be challenging. The traditional educational system often prioritizes rote memorization and standardized testing over creative thinking and problem-solving skills. This leaves little room for students to explore their unique ideas and experiment with new concepts.

That’s where programs like Inventionland Education Innovation come in. Educators can inspire a new generation of innovators by offering a hands-on, student-driven curriculum rooted in applied STEM principles. Inventionland provides students and educators with the tools, resources, and guidance to bring their ideas to life, fostering a classroom culture of creativity and exploration.

One of the critical aspects of Inventionland is its emphasis on collaboration. By working in small groups, students learn to leverage their peers’ diverse perspectives and skills, sparking new ideas and refining their designs through collective brainstorming and problem-solving. This collaborative approach mirrors real-world innovation processes and teaches students valuable teamwork and communication skills essential for success in any field.

Moreover, the Inventionland course encourages students to embrace failure as an integral part of the learning process. Innovation rarely occurs without setbacks or mistakes along the way. Students must realize that momentary setbacks are part of the innovation journey and offer opportunities for growth and improvement. Through this process, students develop resilience, improve their critical thinking skills, and persevere in overcoming challenges.

By engaging students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, Inventionland empowers them to become active participants in their education, fostering a sense of ownership and agency over their learning journey. Through experimentation and reflection, students develop the problem-solving skills and creative mindset necessary to create the innovations and inventions of tomorrow.

Innovation is a mindset that can be cultivated and nurtured in all students. As educators, we are responsible for providing the tools, resources, and support needed to unlock the full potential of every young mind. With programs like Inventionland’s applied STEM innovation curriculum, we can become the catalysts that inspire the next generation of innovators to see the world not as it is but as it could be – and imagine the possibilities that lie ahead.

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1. Stimulating Curiosity: Curiosity is at its peak with early learners. Educators can tap into their inquisitiveness by introducing innovation and inventing during this period, encouraging them to explore new ideas and solutions. Providing hands-on experiences and practical challenges ignites their passion for learning and empowers them to think critically.
2. Cultivating Problem-Solving Skills: Innovation and inventing involve identifying problems and developing creative solutions. The Inventionland®innovation course helps students develop essential problem-solving skills by engaging them in this process. These skills, such as critical thinking, analysis, and experimentation, lay a strong foundation for their future academic and professional dreams. It’s crucial to equip students with resilience and adaptability by encouraging them to embrace challenges and persevere through setbacks.
3. Fostering an Innovation Mindset: Introducing innovation and inventing at an early age instills an innovation mindset, which is crucial in today’s dynamic world. Inventionland® Education’s “fail forward” saying reinforces the idea that failure is an essential part of the learning process. Students learn to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and refinement rather than reasons for discouragement. This mindset encourages them to take calculated risks, think outside the box, and embrace continuous learning.
4. Developing Collaboration and Communication Skills: Innovation and inventing requires teamwork and effective communication. By engaging students in collaborative projects, we nurture their ability to work with others, value diverse perspectives, and communicate their ideas effectively. These skills are essential for success in the modern world, where collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking are highly valued.
5. Cultivating a Passion for STEM: Introducing innovation and inventing early on can ignite a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. By providing students with hands-on experiences and exposure to real-world applications of these subjects, we bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical relevance. This can inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields, addressing the global demand for skilled professionals in these areas.
6. Encouraging Entrepreneurial Thinking: Innovation and inventing foster an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to identify opportunities, take initiative, and turn ideas into reality. By nurturing this mindset, we equip young students with the skills and mindset needed to become future entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. These skills, including creativity, critical thinking, and resilience, are highly sought soft skills and contribute to future personal and professional success.

Conclusion: Introducing innovation and inventing to young students is crucial for their holistic development and preparation for the future. By stimulating curiosity, cultivating problem-solving skills, fostering an innovation mindset, developing collaboration and communication skills, cultivating a passion for STEM, and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, we empower students to become lifelong learners and innovators. Inventionland® Education’s “fail forward” approach provides a safe and supportive environment for students to explore, experiment, and learn from failures, reinforcing the value of persistence and resilience. By embracing young minds, we can bring out their potential and equip them with the tools they need to shape a better tomorrow through innovation and inventing.

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The curriculum centers around a real-world, proven 9-step method used at Inventionland, one of the world’s largest invention factories. During the class, students work in small groups to find a problem and create an invention to solve it. The course helps students understand the practical applications of what they’re learning in STEM and opens up a world of career possibilities. During the process, students learn crucial soft skills like teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication, which are essential for success in college, careers, and real life.

One of the unique aspects of Inventionland® Education’s curriculum is the opportunity for students to engage with working professionals through its virtual mentoring program. As a result, students can learn more about various STEAM careers, such as engineering, structural package design, electronics, and communications.

In addition to the valuable skills and exposure to career opportunities, students compete in invention contests before a panel of experts to demonstrate their inventions at the end of the course. Winning teams also have the chance to compete in invention contests at Inventionland’s corporate headquarters each May in Pittsburgh, PA. This kind of recognition can be a huge motivator for students, inspiring them to pursue their passions and continue to develop their skills.

The success of Inventionland® Education’s curriculum is evident in the stories of students who have participated in the course. For example, two eighth-grade students from Grove City Middle School (Mia Mertz and Madison Mulato) saw their invention earn a licensing agreement to bring their product to market after participating in their invention contest. In addition, a team of international Inventionland®students from Jordan participated in the Youth Innovation Project. As a result, they also earned a licensing agreement for their developed product, co-sponsored by Amideast and the Jordan Ministry of Youth. Both sets of products will be available for purchase in 2023.

In addition to its innovation curriculum, Inventionland® Education also designs immersive, age-appropriate Innovation Labs® and maker spaces that inspire creativity and original thought, as well as a complete line of STEM and maker space professional learning, delivered in-person or virtually.

Inventionland® Education is a member of the leadership council of the STEM Education Council, along with other blue chip companies, and has joined the STEMM Opportunity Alliance, a new national initiative to provide equitable access to STEMM education.

Inventionland® Education’s recognition as a Top 10 STEM Solutions Provider by Education Technology Insights magazine is exciting and humbling. The focus on developing crucial soft skills and exposing students to various STEAM careers is helping to prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

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Creativity

Creativity is the ability to come up with new and innovative ideas. It is a critical skill that employers highly value in today’s fast-paced and competitive business world. Inventionland® Education’s K12 innovation course provides students a platform to unleash their creativity and explore their potential.

The course offers students a variety of activities and challenges that require them to think creatively and come up with unique solutions. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas. This approach helps students develop creativity and think critically about problems and challenges.

Collaboration

Collaboration is another critical skill that future employers are looking for. Inventionland® Education’s K12 innovation course encourages collaboration by creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students work together in small, student-led groups to solve problems and achieve common goals.

Throughout the course, students learn how to work effectively in groups while developing essential communication and interpersonal skills.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking analyzes information and makes informed decisions based on observation, evidence, and logic. Inventionland® Education’s K12 innovation course emphasizes critical thinking skills, allowing students to explore problems and develop creative solutions.

The course encourages students to question, challenge assumptions, and think critically about inventing a new product or making it better. Students learn to evaluate concepts, develop ideas, and make informed decisions to make things better. This approach helps students develop critical thinking skills, which employers highly value in any industry.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is another essential skill set that employers desire. Inventionland® Education’s K12 innovation course offers students a range of problem-solving challenges requiring them to apply their creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills to develop their inventions. Students learn how to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios. This approach helps students develop their problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in any career.

Communication

Effective communication is critical for success in any career. Inventionland® Education’s K12 innovation course emphasizes communication skills, allowing students to present their ideas and collaborate effectively via storytelling.

Students learn how to express their ideas clearly and persuasively through presentations, group discussions, and team projects. They also learn to listen actively, provide feedback, and work collaboratively to achieve common goals. This approach helps students develop their communication skills, which is crucial in any environment.

 Innovation

Innovation is the ability to develop new ideas and bring them to life. Inventionland® Education’s K12 innovation course provides students an essential platform to explore their creativity and develop innovative ideas.

Student-led teams work on their unique ideas, overcoming challenges and learning to identify new opportunities, develop new concepts, and implement effective strategies. In addition, this approach helps students build their inventing skills, which is a highly-prized in any industry.

Final Thoughts

Inventionland® Education’s K12 innovation course is a unique and innovative program designed to help students develop the creativity and soft skills that future employers want. By providing students with opportunities to explore their potential, think outside the box, and develop innovative solutions, this course helps prepare studen

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The Basics

a) Digital Footprint

A digital footprint is the personal information that someone leaves behind while using the internet. Whether it be social media, email, or google searches, it’s important for students to learn that the information they put into the internet can be permanent and have real-world consequences.

b) Copyrights

This involves the legal protection of an owner’s work. Students must learn the difference between copyrighted and free-to-use material and how to properly give credit or cite their sources when needed.

The Two Pillars of Digital Citizenship

1) Respect

Schools will have students sign an ‘Acceptable Use’ policy dictating how students must use the internet within school guidelines. This pillar also involves character education and learning how to behave respectfully online.

2) Protect

This involves learning about identity theft, the dark web, credit card theft, chat rooms, and other dangers online against which one should protect themselves.

The 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship

a) Digital Access

Digital access refers to the ability to connect with others and find information via the internet. This is very important when it comes to researching and finding valuable and true information online.

b) Digital Etiquette

Fairly self-explanatory, this principle involves treating other internet users with respect and avoiding cyberbullying.

c) Digital Rights and Responsibilities

This involves a student’s rights on the internet such as freedom of speech and ensuring those rights aren’t infringed upon by respecting others’ privacy.

d) Digital Commerce

Digital commerce refers to buying and selling electronics, allowing students to become more educated consumers.

e) Digital Literacy

This involves learning how to use technology and access information, use search engines, etc.

f) Digital Law

Digital law refers to rules put in place by an organization regarding internet use.

g) Digital Health and Wellness

Digital Health and Wellness involves protecting one’s physical and mental health while using technology. So this could refer to correct posture, balancing screen time with in-person communication, blue light glasses, etc.

h) Digital Communication

Again fairly self-explanatory, this section involves how technology allows people to communicate directly. So this deals with social media, texting, email, and even video games.

i) Digital Security

This refers to teaching students how to take steps to remain safe online. This can involve teaching students how to avoid viruses, scams, and strangers via the internet.

Digital Citizenship & Online Research

a) Keywords

One way to assist in making your students better digital citizens when it comes to the Digital Literacy pillar is to teach them about keyword searches. This involves first looking at a search index which is a database of information used for doing a search. Depending on the words you type into a search engine, each one has a different algorithm to determine which pages are the top matches for you based on your search. Rearranging the words in your search, using synonyms, or cutting some of them can allow you to get vastly different results.

b) Sources

When it comes to being a responsible digital citizen, it’s crucial for students to learn what search results are reliable and which aren’t. One easy way is to teach students to look for websites with a .org, .gov, .edu, etc. will allow students to know that what they’re reading is coming from a valuable source. In addition, encouraging students to use academic sources like JSTOR and EBSCO can help as well. If they aren’t getting information from those websites, it’s important to teach students to evaluate the source to see if it’s reliable.

c) Language

One way for students to easily see if a source is credible is by evaluating the language. If the language being used is grammatically incorrect or it has a biased tone then it’s likely an unreliable source. Scholarly sources will simply give information using neutral language rather than taking a strong side in whatever information they’re conveying.

How to Make Good Digital Citizens

Even if you’re not teaching a computer class, there are still ways that you can help students on their digital citizenship journey. One way would be to incorporate a digital citizenship piece as a part of the projects you’ve already created. For example, if you’ve assigned an essay then have students cite their sources at the end of the paper and award partial credit to those who have used good sources.

Or you could assign projects using pieces of technology that would allow students to succeed in the world such as PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, etc. For those who aren’t familiar with the technology, you can research and send them a tutorial video on what they’ll need to learn for the project.

You could even simply assign Digital Citizenship projects as bonus points for your class. Perhaps send students a video on certain aspects of digital citizenship and have them take a short quiz to make sure they viewed and understood the material. However, you choose to do it, incorporating Digital Citizenship training into your curriculum will help your students be prepared to be digitally responsible both in and out of the classroom.

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People may be born with creativity, but innovation is a craft which must be taught. Here at Inventionland, we believe anyone has the potential to be a great innovator, if given the proper tools to succeed. To that end, we’ve developed the Inventionland® Education Innovation Course, designed to unlock a student’s potential by engaging them in activities that enhance observation skills, problem-solving, communication and so much more.

This curriculum has been implemented by dozens of schools and, now, you and your colleagues can experience the course for free at our Day of Innovation. If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, or would like to make the trip, you can participate in our demonstration which includes STEM challenges, an in-depth discussion of innovation in the classroom, a demonstration of the curriculum and the opportunity to network with your colleagues.

There’s also an optional tour of the Inventionland®facilities, our theme park styled office space designed to unlock your inner creativity. You’ll see a castle, tree house, pirate ship- you name it. And who could say no to pizza?

Please join us for a Day of Innovation at Inventionland.

When: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 10am-3:30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Inventionland®585 Alpha Drive Pittsburgh, Pa, 15238
Registration Deadline: March 13, 2018 (or until capacity of the location has been reached)

Tentative Agenda:
9:00-10:00 (Optional Tour)
10:00 -10:30 Coffee, Donuts, and Introductions
10:30 -12:00 Innovation Team Challenges that can be implemented in the classroom
12:00 -1:00 Lunch (Pizza and salad will be provided)
1:00 -1:45 Inventionland®Curriculum Overview
1:45- 2:45 Round table discussions about Innovation in the Classroom
2:45 -3:00 Steps Toward Success and Closing Remarks
3:00-4:00 (Optional Tour)

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