Invention Project 6-9 Empowers Middle School Students with STEM

Kids sign in as a day of inventing begins. At Hangout Space (the room where they’ll start and finish each day), they’ll join up with friends and engage in one of several targeted activities to get warmed up for brainstorming, designing and teamwork.

Kids will hear their first challenge of the day (like inventing a new way to use solar power) and brainstorm in teams to come up with as many solutions as possible. Once each team decides on an idea, they’ll get to work building their inventions using special materials that are provided, as well as recyclables from the Inventor Supply Room.

Next, it’s time for our participants to get moving and play invention-themed games. They’ll use their minds, hands, feet and a little imagination to race across the “ocean” by stepping on “boats,” dodge water balloons and strategize tactics with teammates.

All great inventors need to take a break and refuel.

Teams jump back into invention mode, but this time, they’ll receive a totally new challenge, such as designing the next all-star athletic shoe. The sky is the limit, but teams will need to think fast and build fast. They’ll also need to figure out how to take their inventions to the next level using marketing and entrepreneurship skills.

The day winds down back in Hangout Space where kids can sign out — though they might not want to leave.