Viewers across the nation tuned in to the Discovery and Science Channels for something truly special: the premiere of Inventionland Education on the award-winning television series Tomorrow’s World Today. The program, which has earned four prestigious Telly Awards, is known for showcasing groundbreaking innovation, creativity, and discovery. Now, it shines the spotlight on the incredible students, educators, and staff who power Inventionland Education’s mission.

A Celebration of Student Innovation

The featured segment highlights Inventionland Education’s 2025 Invention Contest, a national event that brings together some of the brightest and most imaginative young minds. Students who have won their local school competitions earn the opportunity to pitch their inventions at Inventionland’s world headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.

This capstone event is more than just a contest. It’s the culmination of months of creativity, hard work, and learning. The students face the exciting challenge of presenting their ideas to a panel of judges, who evaluate ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and presentation abilities. Supported by teachers, parents, and the Inventionland Education team, these students gain invaluable real-world experience that will serve them for years to come.

Middle School Division Winners

1st Place: “The Untie Not”

• Created by: Olivia Adams and Samantha Preist, Grove City Middle School (Grove City Area School District)

• Product Description: A simple solution for shoes that come untied. A small mechanism attaches to the shoelaces to keep the knot securely in Place.

2nd Place: “Need Guard”

• Created by: Ethan Cooke, Elijah Lawson, and Gavin Purdy, Grove City Middle School (Grove City Area School District)

• Product Description: The Needle Guard prevents losing the pump needle for sports balls and helps keep it from breaking.

3rd Place: “Crayon Cast”

• Created by: Abby Borsa, Maggie Paxton, and Kinsley Elkins, Neil Armstrong Middle School (Bethel Park School District)

• Product Description: A clever “cast” for crayons designed to prevent breakage and make them last longer.

The Science of Invention in Action

At the heart of this event is Inventionland Education’s Science of Invention curriculum. This program goes beyond textbooks, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore invention and problem-solving in a way that mirrors real-world innovation. Through this approach, learners develop not only technical skills but also creativity, resilience, and teamwork.

The contest perfectly embodies the mission of Inventionland Education: to inspire a new generation of inventors and innovators. By encouraging students to dream big and pursue their ideas, the curriculum helps prepare them for future careers in engineering, design, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

Inside Tomorrow’s World Today

Now in its ninth season, Tomorrow’s World Today continues to explore the worlds of inspiration, creation, innovation, and production. Past episodes have featured global leaders in science and industry, including NASA, Toyota, Caterpillar, and U.S. Steel. By featuring Inventionland Education, the program underscores the importance of cultivating innovation at the earliest stages of learning.

Viewers not only see the excitement of the competition unfold but also gain insight into how applied STEM education nurtures imagination and equips students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges.

Stream the Episode Now

The premiere aired Saturday, August 30th, at 10 A.M. on the Science Channel, followed by an encore presentation on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, at 8:30 A.M. on the Discovery Channel. The episode has since become one of the most-watched installments of the four-time Telly Award-winning Tomorrow’s World Today, inspiring audiences nationwide.

For those who missed the broadcasts, the full episode is also available for streaming on YouTube, giving educators, students, and families a front-row seat to the next generation of inventors in action.

This premiere was more than a television segment; it was a national stage for students to showcase their creativity and celebrate education that inspires invention. It reminds us what’s possible when young minds are empowered to innovate.

The post Now Available for Streaming: Inventionland Education’s Premiere on the Science and Discovery Channels appeared first on Inventionland Education.

A Celebration of Student Innovation

The featured segment highlights Inventionland Education’s 2025 Invention Contest, a national event that brings together some of the brightest and most imaginative young minds. Students who have won their local school competitions earn the opportunity to pitch their inventions at Inventionland’s world headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.

This capstone event is more than just a contest; it is the culmination of months of creativity, hard work, and learning. The students face the exciting challenge of presenting their ideas to a panel of judges, who will evaluate ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and presentation abilities. Supported by teachers, parents, and the Inventionland Education team, these students gain invaluable real-world experience that will serve them for years to come.

Middle School Division Winners:

1st Place: “The Untie Not”

• Created by Olivia Adams and Samantha Preist from Grove City Middle School (Grove City Area School District).
• Product Description: This is a simple solution for shoes that come untied. A small mechanism gets attached to your shoelaces to keep the knot in Place.

2nd Place: “Need Guard”

• Created by Ethan Cooke, Elijah Lawson, and Gavin Purdy from Grove City Middle School (Grove City Area School District).
• Product Description: Needle Guard prevents losing the pump needle in a basketball, soccer ball, etc., as well as helps prevent it from breaking in the first Place.

3rd Place: “Crayon Cast”

• Created by Abby Borsa, Maggie Paxton, and Kinsley Elkins from Neil Armstrong Middle School (Bethel Park School District).
• Product Description: Have you ever had a crayon break while using it? This product is a cast for your crayons, designed to provide the crayons with more durability while in use.
  

Applied STEM in Action

At the heart of this event is Inventionland Education’s applied STEM innovation curriculum. This program goes beyond textbooks, giving students the chance to explore hands-on invention and problem-solving in a way that mirrors real-world innovation. Through this approach, learners develop not only technical skills but also creativity, resilience, and teamwork.

The contest embodies the mission of Inventionland Education: to inspire a new generation of inventors and innovators. By encouraging students to dream big and pursue their ideas, the curriculum helps prepare them for careers in engineering, design, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

Inside Tomorrow’s World Today

Now in its ninth season, Tomorrow’s World Today continues to explore the worlds of inspiration, creation, innovation, and production. Past episodes have featured global leaders in science and industry, including NASA, Toyota, Caterpillar, and U.S. Steel. By featuring Inventionland Education, the program underscores the importance of cultivating innovation at the earliest stages of learning.

Viewers will not only see the competition unfold but also gain insight into how applied STEM education nurtures imagination and equips students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges.

Watch and Stream

The premiere airs Saturday, August 30th, at 10 A.M. on the Science Channel. For those who miss the live airing, the episode will be available for streaming on YouTube, with an encore presentation scheduled for September 28th at 8:30 A.M on Discovery. This provides multiple opportunities for educators, students, and families to witness the excitement of invention in action.

This premiere is more than a television segment. It’s a national stage for students to showcase their creativity, celebrating education that inspires inventing and reminds us of what is possible when young minds are empowered to innovate.

The post Inventionland Education Premieres on the Science Channel with Tomorrow’s World Today appeared first on Inventionland Education.

Each year, Teacher Appreciation Week provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express our deepest gratitude to the incredible educators who shape young minds and prepare students for the future.

At Inventionland Education, this week holds special significance. It’s a chance to celebrate the teachers who go beyond traditional instruction—those who ignite creativity, nurture innovation, and help students believe they can change the world.

These are the teachers using Inventionland Education’s applied STEM curriculum, which empowers students to think and act like real-world inventors and problem-solvers. Through hands-on, project-based learning, these educators transform their classrooms into innovation hubs, where curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is essential, and every idea has the potential to grow into something extraordinary.

What sets these teachers apart is their commitment to helping students tap into their own creativity. They don’t just teach science, technology, engineering, and math—they teach students how to apply these disciplines to invent solutions to real problems. In doing so, they plant the seeds for the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers, designers, and changemakers.

The Inventionland Education curriculum is more than acourse; it’s a mindset shift. And it’s our teachers who make that shift possible. Whether guiding students through ideation, prototyping, or pitching their inventions, these educators provide the mentorship, encouragement, and support students need to dream big and persist through challenges.

Every breakthrough begins with a teacher who believes in their student’s potential. During this week, we recognize the countless ways these educators go above and beyond—working with students to help guide prototypes, giving feedback on invention ideas, and cheering students on as they present their work. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom. They’re shaping confident, capable young people who see themselves as creators and innovators.

At Inventionland Education, we are proud to work alongside these incredible professionals. They are the reason the curriculum comes to life. They are the catalysts for creativity, the champions of student voice, and the mentors who make inventing feel possible and exciting.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s lift these educators for their incredible work. Let’s thank them not only for teaching, but for inspiring. Because of them, students are building skills, confidence, and a mindset that will carry them into the future—and perhaps even change it.

The post Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week By Honoring Educators Who Spark Innovation appeared first on Inventionland Education.

As we celebrate the holiday season, educators across the globe step into their classrooms every day with a unique blend of passion, dedication, and creativity. They do more than teach lessons—they inspire dreams, foster curiosity, and unlock each student’s boundless potential. In many ways, educators are the ultimate gift to their students and families, offering the tools and encouragement needed to navigate today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

At Inventionland Education, we are proud to be part of this transformative journey, equipping educators with innovative resources to empower their students. Through our K-12 applied STEM innovation curriculum, immersive Innovation Labs®, and professional learning programs, we support teachers in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and career exploration.

Educators: Catalysts for Creativity and Innovation

A great teacher does more than deliver information—they ignite a passion for learning. By encouraging students to think outside the box, educators lay the groundwork for innovative thinking that can shape the future. Whether nurturing a student’s interest in science, guiding a budding artist, or sparking curiosity about engineering, teachers provide the foundation for exploration and growth.

Inventionland Education shares this vision of inspiring creativity and innovation. Our applied STEM curriculum invites students to engage in hands-on problem-solving, simulating, and bringing ideas to life. By teaching students how to think critically, collaborate effectively, and adapt to challenges, we prepare them for success in any career path they choose.

The Power of Immersive Innovation Labs®

One of the most exciting aspects of Inventionland Education is our Innovation Labs®, spaces designed to immerse students in the world of creativity and design. These labs are more than classrooms—they’re ecosystems of innovation where students can explore ideas, test solutions, and bring their visions to life.

For educators, Innovation Labs®, designed by Inventionland Education, provides a catalyst for even stronger engagement and deeper learning. Teachers become guides on a journey of discovery, helping students apply knowledge in real-world contexts. This hands-on approach enhances understanding and empowers students to take ownership of their learning.

Preparing Students for a Bright Future

Educators uniquely prepare students for the future, helping them explore career paths and build skills that will serve them for a lifetime. At Inventionland Education, we align our curriculum with real-world applications to introduce students to the possibilities ahead. From engineering and design to entrepreneurship and teamwork, our programs give students a head start on their journeys toward meaningful careers.

Through project-based learning and collaborative activities, students gain confidence in their abilities to tackle challenges and think creatively. By working with educators to deliver this innovative approach, we ensure students are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Supporting Educators with Professional Learning

To be the gift their students need, teachers deserve support and opportunities for growth. That’s why Inventionland Education offers professional learning options to help educators integrate our applied STEM curriculum and Innovation Labs® effectively into their teaching.

Our workshops and training sessions equip teachers with the strategies and resources needed to maximize the impact of our programs. By empowering educators, we extend their ability to inspire and transform their students’ lives.

A Partnership in Shaping the Future

At Inventionland Education, we know that every educator has the power to shape the future, one student at a time. By supporting teachers with innovative tools and resources, we help amplify their impact, ensuring that students learn and discover the joy of creativity, the value of innovation, and the possibilities of a brighter future.

Let’s celebrate the educators who give so much of themselves to their students and families this holiday season. With their dedication and support of programs like Inventionland Education’s applied STEM curriculum, they are indeed the ultimate gift.

Visit us online today to learn more about how Inventionland Education can support your school in fostering creativity and innovation.

Together, we can help educators and students build a future filled with endless possibilities.

The post Educators Are the Ultimate Gift to Students and Families Throughout the Year appeared first on Inventionland Education.

In today’s rapidly changing world, K12 educators must keep up-to-date with the latest teaching practices and technologies in STEM, maker space, and project-based learning areas. Professional development is an essential tool that helps teachers improve their teaching skills, stay current with industry trends, and develop new and innovative instructional strategies.

Inventionland® Education offers a comprehensive Professional Learning program centered around STEM and how to maximize maker spaces. Each workshop is specifically designed to provide K12 educators with the tools and resources needed to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for their students in these environments. This program offers a range of professional learning opportunities that can help teachers build their skills and confidence in STEM and maker space education.

One benefit of Inventionland® Education’s professional learning program is its focus on experiential learning. Teachers who participate in this program can engage in hands-on activities that mirror the types of projects they will be leading in their classrooms. This approach allows teachers to experience the learning process first-hand, which can help them better understand how to facilitate similar experiences for their students.

Another key benefit of Inventionland® Education’s professional learning program is its emphasis on machine learning. We go far beyond the owner’s manuals of 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and other maker machines to demonstrate the best ways to safely use the machines in the classrooms with practical and meaningful lesson planning with students.  

Professional development is a critical component of K12 education, especially in the areas of STEM and maker spaces. Inventionland® Education’s professional learning program is a comprehensive solution that can help teachers build their skills, connect with other educators, and access the resources they need to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for their students.

By investing in professional learning with Inventionland® Education, educators can help prepare their students for the future by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

The post Schedule your STEM and Maker Space Professional Learning appeared first on Inventionland Education.

The Inventionland® Education team quickly began working to create a way to give teachers some assistance in these desperate times. They wanted to build a workshop that wouldn’t be a huge time commitment for busy educators, taught teachers about tools they can use in their online classrooms, and allowed them to share with each other methods and techniques regarding online learning. Thus, the Inventionland® Education Hour of Innovation was born.

Inspired by the Day of Innovation, the Hour of Innovation is designed so that educators can log in remotely using their webcam and watch as a fellow educator gives them a tutorial on an effective online learning tool. Each session begins with introductions where the Inventionland® Education team will introduce themselves and any guest speakers that will be presenting throughout the workshop. They will also briefly explain their chat feature, where teachers can ask any questions that they have throughout the presentation and have them answered in real-time.

Next, the speaker will begin to walk the attending teachers and educators through the first portion of the seminar. What this section entails depends on the topic at hand. For example, in the Code.org seminar, they began by explaining the benefits and parameters of the program so viewing teachers could visualize how it could be effectively utilized within their classroom. Whereas in their ‘Making’ workshop, where they provided maker-based lesson plans, they began by describing and demonstrating the first of several physical activities that they adapted for online learning.

There is often a second or even third section to the teaching portion of each Hour of Innovation session. When the team or a guest speaker is walking teachers through a digital program, the second portion of the seminar will typically walk you step by step through how to sign up, create a classroom, view assignments, etc. Whereas with physical activities, they will often either provide a second/third physical activity or they’ll walk you through additional ways you can change the activity for various grade levels.

Afterward, the guest speakers and ILI partners will briefly touch on their roles in education and list any additional resources they can provide for fellow educators. Finally, each seminar ends with a Q&A session. During this final section, the Inventionland® Education hosts pose a few questions to attending educators in an attempt to facilitate a group discussion. This portion of the workshop allows fellow educators to share tools that they’ve been using for online learning and to voice any struggles they’ve been having so they can find possible solutions among a group of peers.

If you’ve missed out on some of the past seminars, the Inventionland® Education team has made them available online to view for anyone who may want to utilize the information. Thus far they’ve had Hour of Innovation seminars on Kickoff, Tinkercad, Code.org, Storytelling, Making, and Inventing. The team at Inventionland® Education attempts to have a balanced combination of seminars regarding digital resources and physical projects that students can complete at home and record their progress. As educators, the ILI team is all too aware that teachers will have students with a wide variety of financial or technological restraints. They’ll have some students with Mac laptops and some students who don’t even have access to a computer, so the physical activities are a good option for students who have fewer resources at their disposal.

Since the Hour of Innovation launch, Inventionland® Education has received a positive response from the teachers and educators who have participated. According to a series of surveys, 83.9% of participants surveyed said they would attend another Hour of Innovation and 93.5% said that they’d recommend attending Hour of Innovation to a fellow educator. One teacher at Berkshire Local School District, Gina Kritz, stated, “I love the energy, creativity, helpfulness, and the collaborative, accessible approach from all the people at Inventionland. Thank you for giving us fun, inspiring tools to work with and facilitate ingenuity, creativity, and critical thinking in our students. You’ve been a fantastic resource. Thank you for offering the opportunity to connect with you through the Hour of Innovation!”

Educators have also been pleased to see a seminar that is creating a new way for them to learn about online learning portals and programs not from a technical standpoint, but from fellow educators who know how to actively implement them into a classroom setting. Another satisfied attending educator, John Heard of Par Excellence Academy, stated, “This meeting is great overall, I’ve never experienced anything like this and I think it’s great for others to experience. Especially since we’re walking into a different phase of learning.”

Although the program has only been running for a little over a month, the Inventionland® Education team has already been hearing back from teachers who have implemented the programs and lesson plans into their curriculum with a positive response from their students. One such educator, Michael Buckles of Mount Pleasant Area School District, stated, “These meetings are fantastic. I’ve used some of your ideas and resources throughout distance learning with positive responses from the kids. Thank you for sharing the creativity, innovation, and opportunity.”

Ultimately, Inventionland® Education is happy to be able to provide some much-needed support to teachers and educators during a very difficult time. The transition to online learning can be daunting, but having the guidance of fellow educators and access to peer support can make all of the difference in the world.

Click here to check out upcoming Hour of Innovation events and register to attend online!

The post Hour of Innovation: An Online-Learning Resource appeared first on Inventionland Education.

The post Happy Teacher Appreciation Week 2020! appeared first on Inventionland Education.

The PETE & C event kicked off on Sunday, February 23rd with attendee and exhibitor registration. The afternoon and early evening consisted of workshops, vendor hospitalities, and a welcome reception so that educators and technology officials alike could begin to network. This year’s conference took place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA- home to Heinz Ketchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and our very own Inventionland® Education Headquarters.

On Monday, February 24th the Exhibitor Hall opened. This was where we were stationed, manned with our brochures, packets, videos, Makerkits, and our passion for industry-based learning that leads to career-readiness. The atmosphere in the exhibitor hall was teeming with excitement as people mingled, networked, and learned about new and innovative educational tools. This conference is typically held in Hershey, PA so there appeared to be a slightly smaller turnout than there have been in previous years. To our representatives at the conference and other attendees, however, this merely resulted in more personal and meaningful relationships being formed rather than constantly being mobbed by swarms of attendees.

The main event on the first day was the keynote speech titled The Art and Science of Memorable Teaching. This speech discussed how beliefs on education can shape the classroom, effect lessons, and have a dramatic impact on student motivation. There were also several Concurrent Sessions throughout the day as well as Member Organization Events to close out the day.

On Tuesday the 25th, day three, the main keynote was titled Climate and Culture. The Choice is Yours. This speech touched on how climate and culture on an individual level can impact jobs in education. As with the previous day, there were Concurrent Sessions and the Exhibitor Hall was open until 2:15 PM. In addition to these, however, the annual PA Invention Convention was also hosted during the afternoon. Finally, in the evening, there was a Heinz History Center Event where you could elect to take a trip over to Pittsburgh’s Senator John Heinz History Center for an evening of history, food, and drinks.

Finally, a short day on Wednesday the 26th closed off this year’s PETE & C conference. After some Concurrent Sessions in the morning, the event closed off with a final keynote titled Social Impact in the Digital Age. This keynote touched on some of the risks of social media in terms of misinformation and a rise in negativity. In addition to the keynote, our Inventionland® Education Curriculum representative, Nathan Field, had the opportunity to conduct a workshop with our partners at IU1. We collectively presented on both the Inventionland® Education and personalized learning for all. We also ran some hands-on activities and had one of our teachers speak on the practicality of using the Inventionland® Education Curriculum in their classroom. All of the events were incredibly accessible through multiple programs as well as a digital app that attendees could use to keep up to date on all conference details.

Our curriculum was represented across multiple booths in the Exhibitor Hall including ours, the IU1 booth and mobile lab, and Allegheny Educational Systems Inc. They each came equipped with unique displays, including IU1’s very popular 3D printing pancake display which allows educators to walk away simultaneously knowing more about the world of 3D printing and with a tasty treat.

As with past conferences we attended, we noticed a lot of interest in our teacher resources. Our Makerkits, which showcase the capabilities of laser cutting, were a big draw and had people coming up to us and asking questions. We also noticed a lot of interest in our Makercharts, which are guides teachers can hang up in their classroom to use as a reference for questions about 3D Printing/Laser Cutting in terms of dimensions, materials, machine settings, etc. We were also able to talk about our Makerspaces and the tours we offer at Inventionland since this conference took place in our home city of Pittsburgh, PA. We even got a shoutout about our tours from one of the event speakers, Greg Maser, who is a technology specialist at Seneca Highlands.

From our many conversations with fellow educators circulating in and out of the exhibitor hall, we gathered that everyone found the keynote speakers and workshop events both educational and inspirational. These events were especially helpful this year because the conference recorded some of these events so that attendees can go back and reference the material later.

One of our favorite parts of the conference was getting to both connect with our current partners as well as start to build relationships for the future. We ran into our partners at IU1, IU28, and IU27 and we were able to network with them. We were also able to converse with some of the schools that currently use our curriculum such as Grove City, Plum, Altoona, Pace, etc. Walking around the giant hall, however, we were also able to introduce ourselves and network with organizations we’d like to work with in the future such as different IU’s and schools that are looking to implement STEM-based curriculums.

Ultimately, the conference served as an inspiring way to connect PA educators who are interested in technology with one another and with leaders in tech education.

The post PETE & C Pittsburgh 2020 appeared first on Inventionland Education.