In this exclusive Hall of Innovators podcast, hosted by George Davison, creator of Inventionland and host of Tomorrow’s World Today, George sits down with Grove City Middle School principal Larry Connelly and educator Karen Garland to talk about the transformative impact of the Inventionland Education Applied STEM Innovation Curriculum. Their school has seen remarkable success with the program, including students winning this year’s national invention contest with their project, the “Untie Knot.”

How It All Began

Grove City Middle School first became involved with Inventionland Education seven to eight years ago after Superintendent Dr. Joshua Weaver and his leadership team visited Inventionland’s world-class facility and immediately saw the potential to engage students in new and exciting ways. Inspired by Inventionland’s innovative spaces and the sheer number of products it has brought to the market, Grove City began integrating the applied STEM inventing curriculum into its middle school program.

From the beginning, both administration and teachers sought to give students more opportunities in STEAM-related activities, critical thinking, and collaboration. The Inventionland course checked every box, offering a unique way to prepare students for the future.

Student-driven, Teacher Facilitated

Principal Larry Connelly highlighted one of his favorite aspects of the program: the students are the ones leading the classroom. Unlike traditional classes where the teacher explains everything, in the Inventionland course, students tell the story of their inventions, lead the process, and present their ideas. Teachers serve as guides, but the energy and ownership come from the kids themselves.

Karen Garland, who teaches the course along with fellow educator Ben English, has seen firsthand how excited students are to participate. “Sixth graders come into the school eager to brainstorm inventions years before they are eligible to take the class in eighth grade. By the time they officially enter the program, their anticipation and motivation are high,” Karen shared. She also loves the flexibility provided by school leadership, which allows them to experiment, learn, and refine their approach over the years.

Real Outcomes, Real Growth, and Real Licensing Agreements

The Inventionland Education curriculum is built around a nine-step inventing method, where students work in teams to develop, pitch, and showcase their creations. But the program’s real impact goes beyond projects. Students learn resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom, including three student teams that have earn actual licensing agreement to have their product available for sale in the global marketplace.

Community and Business Partnerships

The program doesn’t just stay within school walls. Grove City students collaborate with local businesses, engineers, and professionals. From candy makers to optical companies, the community has played a vital role in providing students with real-world insights. This partnership approach connects students with industry, making their work more authentic and impactful.

Parents, too, have been enthusiastic supporters. Some families who homeschool their children even send their children to the middle school specifically for the Inventionland course. The buzz in the community demonstrates the credibility and excitement the program generates.

Looking Ahead

Both Larry Connelly and Karen Garland believe the program represents the future of education: competency-based learning, customization, and freedom to think. Rather than focusing on test scores or memorization, students are encouraged to explore, create, and problem-solve. The skills developed in this environment, including critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, are precisely what students need for success in high school, college, careers, and life.

As George Davison summed it up, Inventionland Education’s Applied STEM Innovation Curriculum is more than a class. It’s a movement that empowers students, strengthens schools, and brings communities together through innovation. And at Grove City Middle School, it’s creating proud moments, lasting memories, and a future filled with possibilities.

The post Meet the Educators from Grove City Middle School, who Share their Experience with Inventionland Education appeared first on Inventionland Education.