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.

Inventionland Education’s National Invention Contest will celebrate young innovators from May 20-22 at Inventionland’s world headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. The competition is open to elementary, middle, and high school teams that participated in the Inventionland Education applied-STEM innovation course. It showcases the next generation of problem solvers and creators, creating a unique opportunity to compete and learn.

For many of these students, the contest is not just a final showcase of their hard work, but also a culmination of months of creative thinking, engineering, and teamwork.

The National Invention Contest provides students the chance to present their inventions in front of a panel of industry experts, educators, and innovators. What sets this contest apart is its accessibility—students have the option to compete either in person at the iconic Inventionland facility in Pittsburgh or virtually, allowing participation from all corners of the country. Regardless of the format, the event encourages young minds to push the boundaries of creativity, invention, and engineering.

The Inventionland Education Course: Building a Foundation for Innovation

The Inventionland Education applied-STEM innovation course empowers students with hands-on skills and the mindset needed to succeed in the world of invention. Through this course, students engage with real-world problems and develop their own innovation or invention. Working in small groups, students think critically, collaborate, build prototypes, and develop their marketing and sales presentations.

The curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) principles in an engaging and educational way.

One of the most significant benefits of going through the Inventionland Education course is that it equips students with a deep understanding of the invention process—from ideation to prototyping to final product presentation.

Students are not only learning the technical aspects of STEM subjects but also developing essential soft skills like teamwork, communication, and perseverance. This combination of technical expertise and problem-solving skills is invaluable in preparing students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.

The course offers students access to a wealth of resources and tools that professionals in the field often use. They learn to use creative thought and technology prototyping tools to bring their ideas to life. The hands-on approach ensures that students are not just passive learners but active creators, able to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world context.

The Contest: A Celebration of Creativity and Collaboration

Students take their classroom lessons to a new level by participating in the National Invention Contest. The contest serves as a platform for them to showcase their innovations across various categories. The focus is on fostering creativity and practical problem-solving.

In addition to the invaluable experience of competing and presenting their work, students also gain exposure to professionals in various fields, potentially opening doors for mentorship and future career opportunities.

For many, the event serves as a springboard to further their interest in STEM disciplines as they see firsthand how their work can make an impact.

Preparing the Innovators of Tomorrow

The National Invention Contest is more than just a competition. It prepares students for a future where innovation and creative problem-solving will be key to addressing global challenges.

Whether participating virtually or in person, students walk away from the experience with newfound skills, confidence, and a passion for invention that will last a lifetime.

The National Invention Contest begins a journey toward creating a better, more inventive future.

The post Join Inventionland Education at the National Invention Contest for K-12 Students in Pittsburgh May 20-22, 2025 appeared first on Inventionland Education.

National Kid Inventors Day, celebrated annually on January 17th, is a time to honor the incredible creativity and ingenuity of young minds.

This day commemorates the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most famous inventors, who invented the first swim fins at just 12 years old.

While this single day shines a spotlight on the power of youthful innovation, schools nationwide can extend the celebration all year through Inventionland Education’s K-12 applied STEM course focused on innovation and inventing.

A Year-Long Celebration of Creativity

Inventionland Education offers an immersive curriculum that empowers students to think outside the box, identify problems, and create innovative solutions. This course doesn’t just teach STEM concepts—it fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills in a hands-on environment where ideas come to life. Students learn and apply a structured, step-by-step process for inventing, guiding them from brainstorming to prototype creation.

At the heart of the program is an exciting finale: an invention showcase where students present their inventions or innovations. These contests are held at individual schools and culminate in a national invention competition hosted at Inventionland’s world headquarters in Pittsburgh every May. This renowned event brings together young innovators from across the country, offering a platform for their ideas to be celebrated and shared. Students can compete virtually or in person.

Local invention contests were held last week at Grove City Middle School and this week at the Ligonier Valley School District. The student winners are now eligible to present their ideas at Inventionland this May.

From Classroom Creations to Marketable Products

Inventionland’s approach goes beyond the classroom by giving students the tools and opportunities to turn their concepts into reality. Last year, two standout student teams won their invention contests and achieved something extraordinary: their products are now available for purchase on Amazon after earning licensing agreements.

Two middle school students (Mia and Madison) developed the first product, the No Cry Hair Tie, to address the discomfort people with long hair often feel when removing traditional hair ties. This innovative product eliminates the tugging and pain of taking out a ponytail.

The second product, The Amazing Lid, created by students from a school in Jordan, is a multipurpose, eco-friendly lid designed to stretch over coffee cups. This invention exemplifies how students are thinking globally and addressing real-world problems.

Inspire Young Inventors in Your School

National Kid Inventors Day is a wonderful reminder of what young minds can achieve. With Inventionland Education’s year-round program, schools can cultivate this inventive spirit, giving students the tools to innovate, create, and make a difference. By celebrating student ingenuity every day, we can inspire the next generation of inventors and innovators to shape a brighter future.

Buy the No Cry Hair Tie on Amazon ›

Buy the Amazing Lid on Amazon ›

The post Celebrate National Kid Inventors Day Year-Round with Inventionland Education appeared first on Inventionland Education.

Inventionland Education stands out in this celebration with its unique approach. The Applied STEM Innovation Curriculum promotes literacy and integrates STEM concepts in a way that is engaging, practical, and impactful.

Inventionland Education’s curriculum is not just about theory. It’s about practical, hands-on STEM learning. Students don’t just learn about STEM concepts; they create their own inventions or innovations, making abstract concepts tangible and relatable.

One of the critical elements of this curriculum is the emphasis on collaborative work. Students are organized into small groups, fostering teamwork and collective problem-solving. This group dynamic makes learning more interactive and mirrors real-world work environments where collaboration and communication are crucial.

Through this teamwork, students enhance their ability to work effectively with others, a skill highly valued by future employers.

In addition to technical skills, Inventionland Education strongly emphasizes developing critical soft skills, including creativity, communication, and critical thinking.

By designing and presenting their inventions, students refine their ability to articulate ideas, defend their choices, and receive constructive feedback.

This experience is invaluable as it prepares them for future academic and professional environments where these skills are essential.

Moreover, the curriculum’s hands-on nature makes learning more engaging and meaningful. Students don’t just learn about STEM concepts in theory; they experience them in action.

This experiential learning approach helps solidify students’ understanding and makes the subject matter more relevant. It also sparks curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM fields, potentially guiding students toward future careers in these areas.

Inventionland Education’s Applied STEM Innovation Curriculum is a prime example of how integrating practical, real-world applications into education can enrich the learning experience.

By celebrating National Literacy Month through such innovative practices, Inventionland Education enhances students’ literacy and equips them with the skills needed for success in a rapidly evolving world. This approach ensures that students are prepared for the next step in their education and ready to tackle future challenges with confidence and creativity.

The post Celebrating National Literacy Month with Inventionland Education’s Applied STEM Innovation Curriculum appeared first on Inventionland Education.

Every student possesses the potential to be an innovator and uncover solutions to problems. Whether it’s a groundbreaking invention, a life-saving cure, or a more efficient process, the seeds of innovation lie within each young mind. Our role as educators is to cultivate these seeds, providing the environment and curriculum in which they can flourish.

However, fostering innovation in the classroom can be challenging. The traditional educational system often prioritizes rote memorization and standardized testing over creative thinking and problem-solving skills. This leaves little room for students to explore their unique ideas and experiment with new concepts.

That’s where programs like Inventionland Education Innovation come in. Educators can inspire a new generation of innovators by offering a hands-on, student-driven curriculum rooted in applied STEM principles. Inventionland provides students and educators with the tools, resources, and guidance to bring their ideas to life, fostering a classroom culture of creativity and exploration.

One of the critical aspects of Inventionland is its emphasis on collaboration. By working in small groups, students learn to leverage their peers’ diverse perspectives and skills, sparking new ideas and refining their designs through collective brainstorming and problem-solving. This collaborative approach mirrors real-world innovation processes and teaches students valuable teamwork and communication skills essential for success in any field.

Moreover, the Inventionland course encourages students to embrace failure as an integral part of the learning process. Innovation rarely occurs without setbacks or mistakes along the way. Students must realize that momentary setbacks are part of the innovation journey and offer opportunities for growth and improvement. Through this process, students develop resilience, improve their critical thinking skills, and persevere in overcoming challenges.

By engaging students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, Inventionland empowers them to become active participants in their education, fostering a sense of ownership and agency over their learning journey. Through experimentation and reflection, students develop the problem-solving skills and creative mindset necessary to create the innovations and inventions of tomorrow.

Innovation is a mindset that can be cultivated and nurtured in all students. As educators, we are responsible for providing the tools, resources, and support needed to unlock the full potential of every young mind. With programs like Inventionland’s applied STEM innovation curriculum, we can become the catalysts that inspire the next generation of innovators to see the world not as it is but as it could be – and imagine the possibilities that lie ahead.

The post Innovation is Seeing What Others Have Seen, but Thinking Like Nobody Has Thought appeared first on Inventionland Education.

The curriculum centers around a real-world, proven 9-step method used at Inventionland, one of the world’s largest invention factories. During the class, students work in small groups to find a problem and create an invention to solve it. The course helps students understand the practical applications of what they’re learning in STEM and opens up a world of career possibilities. During the process, students learn crucial soft skills like teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication, which are essential for success in college, careers, and real life.

One of the unique aspects of Inventionland® Education’s curriculum is the opportunity for students to engage with working professionals through its virtual mentoring program. As a result, students can learn more about various STEAM careers, such as engineering, structural package design, electronics, and communications.

In addition to the valuable skills and exposure to career opportunities, students compete in invention contests before a panel of experts to demonstrate their inventions at the end of the course. Winning teams also have the chance to compete in invention contests at Inventionland’s corporate headquarters each May in Pittsburgh, PA. This kind of recognition can be a huge motivator for students, inspiring them to pursue their passions and continue to develop their skills.

The success of Inventionland® Education’s curriculum is evident in the stories of students who have participated in the course. For example, two eighth-grade students from Grove City Middle School (Mia Mertz and Madison Mulato) saw their invention earn a licensing agreement to bring their product to market after participating in their invention contest. In addition, a team of international Inventionland®students from Jordan participated in the Youth Innovation Project. As a result, they also earned a licensing agreement for their developed product, co-sponsored by Amideast and the Jordan Ministry of Youth. Both sets of products will be available for purchase in 2023.

In addition to its innovation curriculum, Inventionland® Education also designs immersive, age-appropriate Innovation Labs® and maker spaces that inspire creativity and original thought, as well as a complete line of STEM and maker space professional learning, delivered in-person or virtually.

Inventionland® Education is a member of the leadership council of the STEM Education Council, along with other blue chip companies, and has joined the STEMM Opportunity Alliance, a new national initiative to provide equitable access to STEMM education.

Inventionland® Education’s recognition as a Top 10 STEM Solutions Provider by Education Technology Insights magazine is exciting and humbling. The focus on developing crucial soft skills and exposing students to various STEAM careers is helping to prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

The post Inventionland® Education Named a Top 10 STEM Solutions Provider appeared first on Inventionland Education.

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.