How the National Inventors Hall of Fame Promotes Trade Skill Development
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education has long been promoted as an effective way to develop crucial 21st-century skills and to prepare students for potential jobs in these fields.
However, STEM curricula that use hands-on activities as a primary method of teaching also represent great ways to introduce in-demand and well-paying skilled trade jobs. Our team of education experts at the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) design our STEM programs and Innovation Exploration Kits™ in ways that teach the fundamentals of these positions.
Read below to learn about how our programs and at-home kits support the future of skilled trades!
Electrician: As one of the four all-new modules in the 2021 Camp Invention® program, Recharge, Open Mic™ invites kids to discover their own unique voice by becoming creative entrepreneurs. In this activity, they explore sound waves in action as they take apart and rebuild their very own wireless microphone. In a safe and controlled environment, Open Mic gives children valuable insights and experience exploring the inner workings of an electronic device. Because a common responsibility of an electrician is to troubleshoot electrical problems, the module offers a great introduction to this job.
Automotive Mechanic: In another module unique to our 2021 Camp Invention program, Road Rally™, campers are tasked with designing their very own morphing vehicles that can travel across land, and they add prototype elements to support movement through air and water. Using inspiration from fascinating creatures including a “plantimal,” they customize their vehicles to soar, sprint or submerge in the Super Road Rally! Each hands-on challenge in this module can inspire kids to explore career paths in the automotive industry.
Veterinary Technician: With our Robotic Pet Vet™ Innovation Exploration Kit, children are given two robotic dogs: one to take apart and diagnose, and another to personalize. Included with all the hands-on materials are step-by-step instructions that encourage participants to think like a veterinarian as they both investigate their dog’s anatomy and perform surgery. The act of caring for and diagnosing what’s wrong with their robotic dog represents a great introduction to the rewarding careers of veterinary technicians.
Learn More About NIHF’s STEM Programming
For more information about how NIHF’s wide range of STEM programs and at-home activity kits can help support interest in skilled trades, we invite you to visit our website.