The INNOVATE Program

Children explore new types of energy to help power robotic creatures during the Power’d™ module.  A week of building, powering, and exploring the capabilities of their own fantasy creatures, children investigate wind, solar, and hydro power.  The excitement builds as children make discoveries about electrical power and circuits by tinkering with motors, batteries, and other engaging materials.  Children are introduced to renewable and nonrenewable energy sources as they build and explore the roles of mathematics and physics in design and engineering.

The beauty of patterns that can be found in the field of mathematics is illustrated in the SMArt: Science, Math & Art™ module.  Throughout the week, children explore a number of math topics that have very little to do with numbers, but a great deal to do with other math concepts.  Using the mathematical fields of tessellations, topology, minimal surfaces, fractals, and angles, this module explores each of these topics to demonstrate different, more beautiful types of math.  This module uses hands-on activities to combine arithmetic, art, and a fun, new way to look at mathematics!

The Hatched™ module utilizes the concept of computer virtual worlds to engage children in economic and entrepreneurial work.  During the week, children create and “sell” items that will benefit their avatars’ lives and the Hatched virtual world. This module uses supply and demand as well as needs and wants to guide children towards a better understanding of how these principles work in the real world.  During the week, children use creative and critical-thinking skills, cooperative groups, and communication to engage in the restoration of the Hatched virtual world.

The I Can Invent: Edison’s Workshop™ module illustrates the joys (and frustrations) that real inventors face during the process of creating totally new inventions.  During the week, children work in teams to create multi-step inventions using pieces and parts of wind-up alarm clocks and other provided materials.  Older children spend the last three days of the week creating multi-step, Rube Goldberg-type machines that solve a given challenge while younger children create multi-step, ball-rolling machines.  Both age groups use and develop creative and critical-thinking skills as they encounter problems or unfamilar situations throughout the week.

Combining physical activity and creativity, children practice teamwork, cooperation, coordination, and Creative Problem Solving during fun, energetic games in the Game On: Power Play™ module.  These activities were designed under the guise that traditional games can be modified using nontraditional approaches and converge the functions of mind and body while children work collectively in diverse teams.  These games facilitate inventive and inquisitive-thinking skills while incorporating 21st century life skills such as collaboration, communication, and whole-systems thinking.  Inclusion and Creative Problem Solving are stressed, rather than winning or losing.