The Importance of Learning to Invent

What if learning to invent wasn’t just for aspiring inventors, but for every curious, creative kid in your classroom? The act of invention invites students to dream big, think boldly and believe in the power of their imagination. Learning to invent can promote confidence, adaptability, creativity and so much more. Read on to uncover the benefits of bringing hands-on STEM exploration and invention into the classroom.

Building Essential Skills Through Invention

Throughout the process of learning to invent, children develop an enthusiasm for exciting, self-directed discovery. By challenging them to brainstorm and invent solutions for real-world problems, you can transform learning experiences to improve academic performance and influence early career exploration. When students learn how to invent, the act of bringing their ideas to life in empowering, collaborative environments creates pathways to developing lifelong skills.

Problem Solving

Inventors are great at thinking outside the box. As kids tackle challenges with inventive solutions, they engage with granular learning by tinkering, building prototypes and modifying ideas to solve real-world challenges, growing more confident in their problem-solving abilities.

Teamwork

Helping children develop strong communication skills at an early age can transform the way they collaborate in the future. As students team up, they gain invaluable experience collaborating with peers.

Creativity

Invention ignites creativity. As students use their imagination, they learn the value of creative approaches to problem solving and let their ingenuity shine!

Persistence

The prototyping process can sometimes have unexpected setbacks that require children to modify their creations or rethink their solutions. Invention teaches children to persist through challenges, helping them to develop perseverance to achieve their goals.

Discovering Inventors as Role Models

As you incorporate new practices to engage students and spark an interest in STEM, introducing inventors as role models can inspire new ways of thinking about science, technology, engineering and math. From classroom posters to activity sheets that highlight stories of innovation, using a variety of resources can create more pathways to STEM. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Explore the stories of National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Inductees

Invention is all about making the world a better place. Sharing stories of world-changing Hall of Fame Inductees can help children find inspiration and motivation to make their own innovative impact.

Why not start with Inductee Andrew J. Beard? This self-taught entrepreneur, engineer, inventor and railroad innovator made workers’ lives safer. After learning about railroad safety, your students also can try a hands-on activity! Project-based learning is an effective strategy for reinforcing key STEM concepts and creates engaging ways to highlight real-world applications of innovation.

2. Find an Innovation Icon

Help students identify their most innovative traits and find brand-new role models with this fun quiz!

3. Put up inspiring posters

Spark inspiration by decorating hallways or classroom walls with images, innovative traits and posters to encourage an interest in invention. Consider trying out this prototype poster.

Unlocking Creative Potential

With an innovative mindset, anything is possible. Whether it’s career readiness, academic achievement or simply unlocking imagination, when students participate in hands-on invention, it reframes the relationship between curiosity and learning. By weaving invention into the classroom, you aren’t just teaching STEM – you’re helping students discover their potential for any future path they choose.

Invention Embraces Every Possibility

Rooted in children’s innate curiosity about the world around them, the National Inventors Hall of Fame believes that every child has the potential to invent. Keep exploring our blog to read more educator insights on trending topics in STEM education.