A Space Designed for Innovation, STEAM, and Project-based Learning

The Innovation Center features a multi-purpose room equipped with dry-erase light panels, maker machines, and collaborative seating areas. In addition, a dedicated green screen video production and editing room provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore modern technology and creative expression. What makes this transformation even more remarkable is that the setting, a 100-year-old district office building, has been completely reinvented into a vibrant hub for exploration and discovery.

Dr. Anitia Rice, Superintendent of Lincoln Elementary School District 156, emphasized the vision behind the project: “We want our young learners to experience STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) in a stimulating, non-traditional environment. We also want to introduce our students to early career exploration, so that they can grow up in a world of possibilities.” This vision reflects the district’s commitment to providing its PreK through 5th-grade students with hands-on, project-based learning that goes far beyond the traditional classroom.

Community Excitement and Student Engagement

As attendees walked through the newly unveiled space, a sense of wonder filled the air. Parents expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities their children would now have, while students eagerly imagined the projects and possibilities that awaited them. Teachers and staff also shared in the excitement, recognizing how the Innovation Center would open new doors for interactive and engaging learning.

The collaborative effort between administrators, school board members, and educators was key to bringing this vision to life. By repurposing existing space, the district demonstrated both creativity and resourcefulness in achieving its goals.

Designed in Partnership with Inventionland Education

The Innovation Center was made possible through a partnership with Inventionland Education, a leader in creating imaginative, hands-on learning environments. Known for their award-winning Innovation Labs® and applied STEM curriculum, Inventionland Education has worked with schools across North America to reimagine traditional learning spaces. Their work is often featured in national publications and on the television show Tomorrow’s World Today, which airs on the Science and Discovery Channels.

“Education is changing, and student engagement is more important than ever,” said George Davison, Founder of Inventionland Education. “We’re inspired every day by the transformations we help facilitate, and working with the Lincoln Elementary School District 156 and their stakeholders was one of the highlights of our summer.”

Looking Ahead

The Innovation Center at Lincoln Elementary is more than just a new space. It represents a shift in how education can be delivered. With tools that foster creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, students are being prepared not only for academic success but also for the future careers they may one day pursue.

For the community of Calumet City, this new Innovation Center is a symbol of progress, imagination, and possibility. As students step into this vibrant space, they are stepping into a world where innovation begins early, and the future is theirs to shape.

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In the summer of 2025, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood, Alabama, brought a bold new vision to life by transforming its traditional library into a vibrant, immersive learning environment for students from Pre-K3 through 8th grade.

With the support of an Innovation Grant from Inventionland Education, the school reimagined the space to inspire creativity, curiosity, and community.

At the heart of the transformation was a shared dream among staff to create something special and energizing, sparking students’ imagination.

That dream became a reality thanks to the hard work of Mrs. Jennifer Clark, the school’s computer and technology coordinator. After discovering Inventionland Education’s stackable grant program, she successfully applied for funding at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Mrs. Clark collaborated with Principal Mary Jane Dorn, Librarian Sarah Miceli, the school’s PTO, and other supporters to bring the redesign to life. Together, they worked closely with Inventionland Education’s design team to ensure the new library would meet the needs of students of all ages.

The result is a new learning and reading area where everyone is happy.

For younger students, the library now features a Noah’s Ark reading area, complete with imaginative design elements that make storytime an adventure. Older students in junior high now have access to a more modern and private space affectionately called “The J,” featuring privacy blocks and dry-erase light panels that encourage collaboration and focus.

“The new space has completely changed how students view the library,” said Mrs. Clark. “It’s now a place they want to be. It’s fun, inviting, and perfect for tours. It’s going to make a big difference in student recruitment.”

She also loved the partnership with Inventionland Education.

“The entire team was great to work with. The process was not only easy but fun. They checked in regularly and brought so many exciting ideas to the table. It helped unify the design and raise the energy level of the entire school.”

To learn more about how your school can transform learning spaces with Innovation Grants from Inventionland Education, visit InventionlandEducation.com/grants.

To hear directly from Mrs. Clark about the grant process and impact, reach out to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood, Alabama.

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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.

Making Learning Interactive and Hands-On

Inventionland Education’s curriculum transforms traditional classroom dynamics by making learning interactive and hands-on. By focusing on inventing, students are not merely passive recipients of information but become active creators. This experiential learning process helps students understand and apply STEM principles in real-world contexts, which enhances retention and deepens understanding. For instance, when students create prototypes or models, they use math and science principles, seeing firsthand the implications of their actions.

Fostering Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

A vital component of the Inventionland curriculum is its emphasis on creativity and innovation. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and develop inventive solutions to problems. This makes learning more enjoyable and cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By navigating the process of invention — from ideation to creation — students learn to tackle challenges, think sequentially, and develop resilience in the face of setbacks.

Collaboration and Communication

Inventing within the curriculum is often a collaborative effort. Students work in teams to brainstorm ideas, design prototypes, and refine their inventions. This collaborative environment mimics real-world STEM fields where teamwork and communication are essential. Such experiences help students develop soft skills like leadership, cooperation, and effective communication, which are invaluable in any career.

Integration with Core STEM Subjects

The Inventionland Education curriculum seamlessly integrates inventing with core STEM subjects. The process ties directly into math concepts, science, engineering, and real-world tech applications. This integration ensures that students learn theoretical aspects and understand how these disciplines intersect and interact in practical applications.

Preparing for Future Careers

The curriculum prepares students for future careers in STEM fields by engaging them in applied STEM learning through invention. It exposes students to the processes and mindsets prevalent in engineering, technology, and scientific research industries. Moreover, the skills students develop—from technical know-how to creative thinking and problem-solving—are some of the most highly valued soft skills. 

Inventionland Education’s Applied STEM K-12 Curriculum is a powerful tool for enhancing STEM education. By incorporating inventing into the learning process, the curriculum not only makes STEM subjects more accessible and enjoyable but also equips students with the skills necessary to excel in the 21st-century job market. Schools looking to invigorate their STEM offerings should consider innovative educational approaches that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, creative applications.

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Inventionland® Education provides K-12 educators with an engaging STEM/STEAM-based curriculum that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Using our proprietary 9-step method, student groups work through the immersive process of bringing innovation to life in a real-world environment that inspires creativity, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills.

Aligned to state standards, it leverages the same key concepts used by Inventionland®for over 30 years in helping corporations turn ideas into actual products. Students use these concepts to develop their idea into a fully-formed products, applying STEM/STEAM learning while learning crucial career and life skills along the way.

The course is student-driven and teaches the fundamentals of inventing, innovation, and entrepreneurship, culminating in an actual business pitch during a final Invention Contest. You could think of it as a science fair combined with Shark Tank.

A Class Loved by Students and Educators Alike

Teachers do not need to have previous “making” or “innovation” experience with this course. All that’s needed is an inquiring mind, observation skills, and the ability to inspire creativity in their students.

Students learn how to work together, leveraging the strengths of everyone in their group to bring an idea to market. This develops some of the most in-demand soft skills needed by future employers, including communication (both listening and speaking), brainstorming, problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, leadership, conflict resolution, decision-making, and more.

Working and contributing as a team emulates some of the most crucial real-work situations required for STEM/STEAM careers.

How the Innovation Grant Works

Inventionland® Education is providing awardees with a $3,500 grant discount for the courseware with a two-year (or more) site license, and up to $250,000 in discounts for Innovation Labs®.

Any public, private, parochial, cyber, or chartered school is eligible for this grant, regardless of size, population, or income.

Inventionland® Education provides ongoing support to assist facilitators in successfully implementing the curriculum. General technical assistance is provided via phone, email, and video conference, and on-site visits can occur when needed.

Grant Application Here ›

Simply fill out the grant paperwork and return it to Inventionland® Education. We will do a timely review of your application, and you will be notified within 2-4 weeks of your grant submission.

See Inventionland® Education in Action

See how the Leechburg School District in Pennsylvania brought the Inventionland® Education curriculum and labs to their students in this engaging video. Hear from key district and school personnel on its impact in their community; and the positive changes it’s inspired.

The Leechburg Story ›

The Power of Invention Contests

To see the efficacy of the Inventionland® Education curriculum first-hand, it’s an excellent idea to witness the culminating event of our Invention Contests. This is not your usual science fair – rather, it’s a real-world culmination of the entrepreneurial and innovation skills learned through the course. It’s this combination of STEM/STEAM skills in action that creates an environment where students, teachers, and administrators experience the fantastic out-of-the-box thinking that comes with innovation and imagination.

Invention Contest ›

A Legacy-building Moment

An Innovation Grant may be the catalyst to leaving your mark in education. Seeing the engagement, entrepreneurship, and student growth will make this one of the most memorable classroom experiences for your K-12 students. Many students have commented on how this was their favorite class because they were able to come up with their own ideas and have fun and purpose at school.

Apply for Your Grant Today – or Schedule a Demo

Click on the link below to receive more information, download the grant, or schedule a demo.

Grant Application Here ›

Schedule a Demo ›

The post We’re Awarding Innovation Grants to Districts and Schools appeared first on Inventionland Education.

It first requires teachers to take videos of themselves or to find videos online which will give students the lecture side of the lesson. They will then send these videos to their students for them to be viewed and for notes to be taken at home. Then, the in-class time is spent on active or hands-on learning activities like discussions and projects.

There are a few benefits to employing this approach. The first is that modern students are used to learning new information using technology such as smartphones, computers, television, etc. Viewing the lecture portion of your class online won’t feel very different for them than a TED Talk or a documentary, for example.

The next perk involves something that every teacher has witnessed in spades: every student learns at a different pace. This is part of what makes the Flipped Classroom Model such an appealing approach. Students who learn faster can watch the videos and take notes at their usual speed, but it gives students who are slower to comprehend certain topics the ability to rewind and pause to take notes. This gives these students a better chance at learning these concepts from one lecture session than the traditional classroom model.

In the Flipped Classroom Model, students would come to class having listened to the lecture, taken notes, and prepared any questions that they have on the material. This will create more quality time spent in the classroom because the typical lecture model allows for questions throughout. So, rather than having students ask questions that you’d answer later in the lecture anyway, they’ve listened to it fully and you can spend classroom time answering questions without having to worry about running out of time.

In addition to allowing more classroom time for answering questions, the Flipped Classroom Model will give you more time to focus on students’ needs individually. After spending most of the class time lecturing, you’ll hardly have time to walk around the classroom, making sure students understand their projects and whether they need any help. In this model, the majority of class time will be spent on discussions or projects so you’ll actually be able to be there as they begin to work, new questions are formed, or people need active assistance.

This school year it could be especially useful to flip your classroom. Every school is implementing different procedures in order to increase safety. Some are doing staggered days where students come two days per week and do the rest of the days online. Others are giving students the option to pick what they want, so some students will be in class every day, others will be two days a week, and the rest will be online only. Being required to conference in online students, reinforce sanitary safety procedures, space out students accordingly, and clean the classroom regularly doesn’t leave a lot of time for lecturing.

By flipping your classroom so that students will already know the lecture material coming into class, you’ll have much more time to do all of the other things required for teachers this year and still have plenty of time to answer questions, facilitate discussions, or assist with hands-on projects. It also allows one to make sure that students are progressing along in lessons, having every opportunity to learn and understand the material, and taking true advantage of in-person days so your cyber days aren’t spent answering hundreds of student emails asking questions about their projects.

In order to implement the Flipped Classroom Model this school year, one should start by compiling the necessary lecture resources. This could involve simply filming yourself giving the classroom lectures or even employing content devices like YouTube or other online videos which give a comprehensive look at the classroom material.

Next, you’ll need to do some additional research in order to find some hands-on learning or practice activities that you can do in the classroom. When you facilitate classroom discussions on the subject, come prepared with a list of questions and ask students to come prepared with a few talking points as well. For projects, you’ll want to find things that students can work on independently and that they’ll have the option of working on in class or at home. You’ll require that they use class time to work on the projects, but it should be something they can take home in case they don’t finish. The important thing is that they are able to work on these projects in class giving them the opportunity to ask questions both to you and fellow classmates regarding the subject material, project requirements, or simply to brainstorm together.

One excellent resource for both lecture and hands-on learning activities is Wide Open School, a new and free online learning platform where teachers and students can access activities across all subjects. In addition, hands-on activities like the Inventionland® Education Curriculum can be excellent projects to pair with at-home lectures and allow you to flip your classroom.

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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.

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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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