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.

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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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What happens when the nurse gets sick? Inventionland®Founder and CEO Mr. George Davison recently spoke to a group of 120 local fifth-grade elementary school students to create a solution to notifying the school if the nurse is not in her office.

The eager students first learned about Inventionland®and the start-to-finish process of creating a practical solution. The school will undergo a remodeling effort this summer, and the fifth-grade class was tasked with creating a system that would let everyone in the school know when the nurse is unavailable.

That’s a big and important project ! But the chipper young students were more than up for it. Their enthusiasm and willingness to jump right into it really shined through.

“I was shocked by how many questions they had !” said Mr. Davison.

To inspire the creativity within the students, Mr. Davison brought along the BagStor, product samples, and tech drawings. Students got a hands-on look at the inventing process – just like students in our Inventionland®Innovation Course get to do. They even had some fun suggestions to add a little flair, such as sparkles and polka dots. Great ideas !

The Inventionland®Innovation Course is a wonderful way to inspire our youngsters to become the next generation of innovators. Stay tuned for more updates on the Innovation Course and how it will be incorporated into curriculums for younger students.

Copyright Inventionland, 2017 

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are used to being champions on the field; but, the team recently shared the spotlight with 16 area educators as part of the team’s “Leaders in the Classroom” program, an initiative also sponsored by Inventionland®and the Chevron Corporation.

The 16 Leaders in the Classroom were recognized at Heinz Field at the Steelers’ January 1st matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The on-field ceremony included Inventionland®founder and CEO George Davison, who congratulated each recipient and presented them with a $1,000 credit for STEAM products offered in the Inventionland®curriculum catalog.

Noting how the teachers’ engaging instruction and curriculum significantly impacts the region’s pre-K to 12^th-grade students, Mr. Davison said that he hopes the credit will further those efforts.

“Inventionland®has gotten teachers and our children excited about how they can make things and improve the future as they learn 21st century skills,” said Davison.

Three of the recognized teachers already are utilizing Inventionland’s interactive STEAM-based curriculum. Intermediate Unit 1 (IU1) Colonial Campus teacher Kevin McKee, John Marshall High School’s Sally Gaughenbaugh and IU1 Educational Campus at East Franklin’s Eric Selva currently apply Inventionland’s hands-on, project-based learning in their classrooms.

According to McKee, the interactive curriculum helps to keep his students engaged and wanting to learn more.

“With the type of learners we have today, I understand the importance of STEM in the school setting. Using our lab, I was able to relate many of the projects we were working on back to the objectives the students were learning in the classroom. This type of learning made it much easier for the students to understand the intended outcomes by actually creating something, rather than just reading about it or completing worksheets… The students were very engaged, learning with these types of hands-on activities,” said McKee. “When I started teaching the Inventionland®curriculum, this really enhanced what I was already trying to do with the students. They had to come up with their own problem, research some possible solutions or inventions, make prototypes, work on packaging and design, and present their ideas. During this process, it was amazing to watch them learn and grow working in teams discussing their mistakes and how to make their inventions better and better… Receiving this award makes me want to continue to grow to be the best possible educator [and maximize] opportunities for my students to learn!”

Similarly, Gaughenbaugh said that the award and Inventionland®credit will help her make an even bigger impact in the classroom.

“[The] Inventionland®curriculum paralleled my thoughts on creativity in the classroom,” said Gaughenbaugh. “With the help of Inventionland®merchandise and Chevron money for my classroom, I am able to bring 21st-century learning material into my art room. STEM is an important learning stepping stone for the future leaders of our world. Thinking critically, brainstorming and problem solving are key elements of educational growth. Teaching that combines science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts creates an innovative way of showing students how to deal with real problems. Teaching techniques awakens the students’ minds to possibilities that can lead to discovery of themselves, plus an educational path of success.” 

Taking part in honoring the Leaders in the Classroom at the Pittsburgh Steelers game was an innovative way to kick off the New Year! Here’s to much more STEAM-based success in their classrooms in 2017!

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Recently, the self-a-STEAM was abundant at Pittsburgh’s Avonworth Middle School. A cohort of eighth grade students completed real-world inventing coursework that derives directly from Inventionland’s proven nine-step inventing method.

Facing a shark-tank panel that included Inventionland®founder and CEO, George Davison, and Inventionland®Creationeers, Tim and Tess, over 20 student groups presented new product ideas that they had been working on for an entire semester.

According to Inventionland®Executive Director, Nathan Field, this group of eighth grade Avonworth students is the first of three groups that will navigate through the hands-on, project-based coursework this year. The students, who represented two different classes, were merged into groups of two and three to work on the innovation course.

Field said that together, the student groups brainstormed their new product ideas. Then, designated makers worked to design and build the products, while designated marketers created the video and web assets needed for the groups’ final presentations.

“They really got the real-world experience of working together,” said Field, noting the sheer dedication of the Avonworth teachers, who had spearheaded the course material.

“Michael Lincoln and Bill White made the course what it was,” said Field. “The students shined.”

According to Field, the Inventionland®innovation course is designed to allow students to explore many different technologies, including engineering, laser-cutting, and 3D-printing. Ultimately, he said that students seemed to gravitate toward the ones they most enjoy.

Field also noted that the shark tank panel typically picks only one winner, but the Avonworth students were so impressive that not only was a grand prize winner named, but two runners-up also received recognition.

“I was impressed with the amount of work that the students put into the products…There were a great amount of materials and tools used,” said Field. “I kept saying to myself, ‘My gosh, these are eighth graders!’ I was just so impressed by their capabilities.”

The Avonworth students also left quite an impression on members of the school district’s administration who were on hand to see the students’ creations. Field said they presented their ideas like true professionals.

“What stood out to me was seeing how well the students pitched their ideas under the pressure of the panel and with all the cameras,” said Field. “I was impressed with how they just got up in front of everyone and seemed so natural and comfortable. I think it says a lot about the next generation.”

In Avonworth’s case, that may just include a next generation full of makers.

“Here at Inventionland, we always talk about ‘failing our way forward,’” said Field. “The kids’ ambition and persistence. I was just blown away by the results and really excited to be a part of that.”

You can bring Inventionland’s innovation and excitement to your school, too. Visit Inventionland®or subscribe to our course materials, teacher resources, and professional learning opportunities. Contact us today!

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At the core beginning of Inventionland, CEO and founder Mr. George Davison set out to transform the ordinary work environment by creating a unique space that would inspire. As we fast forward to present day, Inventionland®has become the hub for what now serves as a source for not only forward-thinking ideas and innovation, but also education.

Concepts of creation, transformation and inspiration hold even greater value today as the Inventionland® Education strives to enrich the traditional classroom by taking STEM and STEAM initiatives to a whole new level, incorporating makerspaces and curriculum – at the same time transforming the lives of students and teachers alike by opening their eyes to a new way to learn and teach the vital skills needed to excel in today’s professional world.

Recently, a group of retired educators from Moon Township School District had an eye-opening experience during a visit to Inventionland.

“They were really enamored with the Inventionland® Education and the whole concept of hands-on, project-based learning – something that can transform the lives of kids,” said tour guide Sam, who led the group through our creative space.

“To engage the student and have them collaborate and develop their own idea into a product teaches them many skills, including critical thinking, which is critical learning,” said Sam.

Every teacher on the tour received their own copy of Chipper Cloud in Use Your Imagination, an inspirational tale written by Mr. George Davison himself that can be utilized as a tool in classrooms today to help young minds learn to keep negative thoughts and comments from interfering with their creative process.

Sam said that it wasn’t hard to notice the immediate impact that Inventionland®and our educational capabilities had on this group of teaching veterans.

“I just think it’s kind of neat to see that point of view from seasoned teachers. Here, they got to see innovation; we showed them our very own makerspace, laser cutters and 3D printers. To see all of this capability and innovation, it really reached them. These teachers can look at that and say ‘Wow! Maybe if I had a couple extra years, I could teach this kind of curriculum,’” said Sam. “It all brought a sparkle to their eyes.”

Visit Inventionland®or subscribe to our course materials, teacher resources and professional learning opportunities. Contact us today!

Copyright Inventionland® Education, 2016

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Teachers are finding Inventionland’s course materials and teacher aids to be the foundation for a curriculum that engages students and transforms classrooms.

According to Young, her group’s recent visit to Inventionland®not only began to infuse their excitement over STEM education, but it also left her looking for additional ways to incorporate Inventionland’s unique course material in her classroom.

“I think my students will be much more driven to participate in STEM/STEAM activities. I believe they will put much more effort into creating sales pitches and focusing on marketing strategies, as well as building. I also appreciated the opportunity to learn a little more about [Inventionland’s education division]. I have already contacted my IU and Superintendent to seek more information,” said Young.

According to Young, the Inventionland®tour is awe-inspiring.

“It [is] an amazing and eye-opening experience for myself and my students… thank you,” said Young. “As an adult, you stop and think to yourself, ‘Is this really someone’s work place?’ My students had visited the website and had an ‘idea’ of what Inventionland®looked like [and then on the tour], they saw a giant playground. They knew they were work spaces, but they could not believe how detailed everything is.”

With 16-unique themed sets at our very own makerspace, it is no wonder that Young and her students had a difficult time selecting a favorite.

“As a mother, I found my favorite set to be [the Nursery Nook]. I love the fact that the area has a nursery and provides a very realistic approach to ensure the creation of good products. [I asked my students which were their favorite sets.] The first set was the Motor Speedway. The students loved that they could work on such ‘cool’ projects. The other set they enjoyed was the Brainpower Ballpark break room area. They kept saying, ‘I wish we had something like this at school.’ They liked the idea of taking a creative break to have some fun,” said Young.

But, it didn’t take the bright group of students long to see that Inventionland®incorporates fun into creating real-world products.

If you’re looking for a new way to engage your students, while giving them 21st-century STEM skills, visit Inventionland®or subscribe to our course materials, teacher resources and Professional Learning opportunities. Contact us today!

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Because we’re working to deliver the innovative tools, interactive resources and state-of-the-art course materials to prepare today’s students to immediately impact Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professional fields! The course material we’ve designed is said to help teachers tasked with unifying the varied disciplines of STEM education into classrooms.

To give regional educators who recently visited Inventionland®an opportunity to sample the course material, we put them to work building their own prototype, an Inventionland®pencil caddy crafted from laser-cut cardboard.

Pennsylvania Intermediate Unit One Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jenny Lent said the hands-on activity mirrored students’ typical experience with the Inventionland®coursework.

“Teachers were hands-on getting experience in building a prototype using cardboard and [they] received preliminary information on student outcomes from our Colonial School,” said Lent.

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IU1 is one of 29 Intermediate Units in Pennsylvania and the regional education agency provides strategic support to the students, families, teachers, administrators and community members of southwestern Pennsylvania’s Fayette, Greene and Washington counties.

IU1 Director of Center for Professional Learning Jenny Lent and Media Coordinator Sarah D’Urzo met with Inventionland®founder and CEO George Davison Tuesday after touring our expansive creative workspace. During their visit, they collaborated to construct an interactive experience where both teachers and students can delve into the methods behind Inventionland’s success and, most importantly, understand why connecting experienced educators with state-of-the-art course material can create an energized classroom, increase engagement and develop a valuable skill set for a student’s college career and professional future.

Currently, IU1 utilizes Inventionland’s course material within their Colonial School, where Lent said they continue to receive positive feedback as students and teachers progress through the interactive resources.

“As IU1 teachers and students work through the course material at our Colonial School, we are seeing student engagement increase. Students are coming to school excited to be working collaboratively, communicating with their peers, and problem solving each day. Teachers are seeing a difference in their students. These teachers have now embraced strategies to incorporate project-based learning in the classroom,” said Lent.

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After all, it was here, in Pittsburgh, that our founder and CEO, George Davison, developed his nine-step inventing method that we’ve turned into an interactive educational tool for teachers to guide students through turning an idea into a working product sample that can be presented to a corporation or manufacturer. The innovative real-world inventing course involves STEM-education, 3D-printing and story-telling.

So, you can imagine the pride we feel in knowing just how seriously our city takes innovation! Pittsburgh is getting ready to kick off Inclusive Innovation Week, a city-wide initiative that is comprised of 52 different events that include networking, discussions and dialogue about innovation.

Inclusive Innovation Week is all a part of Pittsburgh’s Roadmap for Inclusive Innovation, a technology plan to diversify the city’s economy and workforce by making innovation, discovery and invention accessible to all.

A great first step in empowering the leaders of tomorrow with innovation, discovery and invention? Getting them involved in our interactive, STEM-education-based inventing coursework! Find out how you and your students can learn more about 3D printing and our interactive inventing course – contact us today!

We’re proud that #WeInnovatePGH and Inclusive Innovation Week gives us a great opportunity to collaborate with other innovators around the city. Check out some Inclusive Innovation Week events that you may enjoy here.

Photo source: http://pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/innovationroadmap/index.html

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