National STEM Day (November 8) is the perfect spark for curiosity. But what if that spark became a flame that burned all year long? Inventionland Education’s Innovation Science Course helps elementary, middle, and high school classrooms do exactly that. Built around hands-on invention, real-world problem solving, and student creativity, the course turns National STEM Day into a year-round event.

A clear path to learning Innovation Science

The Innovation Science Course guides students through an exciting process that mirrors how real innovators work, moving from problem discovery to ideation, prototyping, testing, and storytelling. Young learners investigate everyday challenges in their homes, schools, and communities. Middle schoolers build confidence with more structured, creative design challenges using various materials. High school students level up with deeper research, more advanced inventions, and pitch-ready presentations. Across all levels, students learn to think like scientists and create like inventors.

STEM that connects to every classroom

Innovation isn’t a silo. The course intentionally blends STEM with literacy, art, and entrepreneurship so students see how innovation science shows up in the real world.

Empowered teachers equal engaged students

When students are invited to solve problems they care about, engagement rises dramatically. When teachers have a structure and rich resources, confidence follows. The Innovation Science Course supports both through professional learning using readily available materials and a supportive community of professionals working in STEM fields who share ideas, exemplars, and encouragement. The result is a classroom where students are excited, educators are facilitators, and innovation flourishes.

Ready to bring the wow year-round?

This November 8, celebrate National STEM Day by igniting a journey that lasts well beyond a single calendar date. With Inventionland Education’s Innovation Science Course, your students will innovate, design, build, and share. Together you’ll discover that the real magic of innovation and STEM is not just learning about the world, but inventing a better one together.

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Inventionland Education’s Applied STEM innovation course at Grove City Middle School has been a hit since its inception. This groundbreaking course empowers students to explore real-world inventions and innovations while leveraging their STEAM skills.

A recent highlight from this initiative is the success story of two remarkable young inventors, Mia Mertz and Madison Mulato, whose journey and creation—the No Cry Hair Tie—exemplify the power of applied STEM learning.

Invention Contest Winners and Their Game-Changing Product

While participating in the Inventionland Education course at Grove City Middle School in Pennsylvania, Mia and Madison noticed a universal issue: the discomfort caused by traditional hair ties. Driven by empathy and innovation, the two young inventors set out to create a solution. After rigorous brainstorming and design, they introduced a new hair tie, crafted with soft, flexible materials that prevent pulling and breakage. Their ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit, addressing the needs of countless individuals with thick or thin hair.

Viewers can dive into Mia and Madison’s journey from concept to creation in this exclusive video on this blog.

From Classroom Concept to Licensing Agreement to Amazon!

It quickly gained momentum as Mia and Madison worked on their product idea. After winning their middle school invention contest, they were invited to the Inventionland Education competition, where their product also won in their division.

Inventionland was able to help them secure an actual licensing agreement, and this past April, the product debuted at the prestigious Inspired Home Show in Chicago.

Now available on Amazon.com, the No Cry Hair Tie is a powerful example of how the Inventionland Education class provides a real-world framework for product inventions and innovations.

Hear from their amazing educators, who explain the process and the value of going through the process, overcoming obstacles, and learning new skills.

And, if you’re inclined to try it, you can buy it on Amazon here.

Buy the No Cry Hair Tie on Amazon ›

The post From Grove City Middle School to Amazon: View the Journey of Innovation of Mia and Madison appeared first on Inventionland Education.

This program has already produced remarkable results, with two standout products—the No Cry Hair Tie and the Amazing Lid—gaining significant attention and success.

The Journey of the No Cry Hair Tie

Mia Mertz and Madison Mulato, students in the United States, embarked on an innovative journey through Inventionland Education’s applied STEM course while attending Grove City Middle School in Pennsylvania. They identified a common problem people with long hair face: the discomfort and damage caused by traditional hair ties.

Mia and Madison developed the No Cry Hair Tie with determination and creativity. This innovative hair accessory eliminates the pain and damage typically associated with regular hair ties. Their design incorporates soft, flexible materials and an ergonomic shape that ensures a comfortable fit without pulling or breaking hair.

Their hard work and ingenuity paid off when the No Cry Hair Tie secured a licensing agreement, paving the way for mass production and distribution.

This groundbreaking product debuted at the Inspired Home Show in Chicago in April 2024, the largest housewares show in the world, attracting buyers and sellers from 120 countries.

Already available on Amazon.com, the No Cry Hair Tie will hit retail stores later this year.

The Amazing Lid: A Global Innovation

Meanwhile, halfway across the world in Jordan, another group of students engaged in the Youth Innovation Project, a collaborative effort between Amideast, the Jordan Ministry of Youth, and Inventionland® Education, made waves with their own invention.

Students developed the Amazing Lid by working through the real-world 9-step method for inventing from Inventionland Education. This innovative product addresses a common problem by creating a silicon lid that stretches to fit most coffee and drink cups.

Like Mia and Madison, the students from Jordan secured a licensing agreement for their product. The Amazing Lid also made its worldwide debut at the Inspired Home Show in Chicago, where it garnered interest from buyers across the world. With its debut in retail stores slated for later this year, the Amazing Lid is already available on Amazon.com and other online websites, where it aims to solve the problem of missing card cup lids.

The Impact on Students’ Learning and Future

The success of these products underscores the profound impact of Inventionland Education’s applied STEM course on students’ learning experiences. Students develop critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills that extend beyond traditional classroom learning by engaging in real-world problem-solving. This hands-on approach enhances their understanding of STEM concepts and cultivates entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.

Moreover, the experience of bringing an invention to market gives students a unique and compelling story for their college entry essays. The journey from identifying a problem to developing a solution, securing a licensing agreement, and unveiling a product at a significant international show demonstrates initiative, perseverance, and innovation. These achievements highlight the students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills meaningfully, setting them apart in the competitive college admissions process.

The stories of the No Cry Hair Tie and the Amazing Lid exemplify the transformative power of applied STEM education. Through Inventionland Education’s program, students like Mia, Madison, and those from Jordan are learning valuable technical skills and gaining practical experience in innovation and entrepreneurship. As these products make their way to retail shelves, they stand as a testament to the potential of young innovators to make a significant impact on the world.

Buy the No Cry Hair Tie on Amazon ›

Buy the Amazing Lid on Amazon ›

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