Stem Maker Lab

To start STEM Maker Lab off right, students will be introduced to stories from National Inventors Hall of Fame® Inductees who have discovered how the natural world can inspire solutions to problems.

• Discover the power of brainstorming
• Apply creative thinking to solve a real-world problem

In this activity, we use a “create, test and recreate” approach. First, we challenge students to build their own prototypes. Then we help them test their models, modify them based on the information they’ve gathered and test them again.

• Build prototypes and experiment with different materials
• Test, evaluate and modify solutions

Intellectual Property Literacy® is an essential element of entrepreneurship. That’s why we’ve designed this activity to help students explore utility and design patents, copyrights, registration marks and trademarks.

• Create product names, brands and logos
• Discover the importance of Intellectual Property marks and protecting ideas

This activity will help students bring their prototypes to the next level as they take a deeper dive into the topic of “making.” They’ll get to know the technology and the inventors behind many innovations in a makerspace.

• Learn how to refine product design and utility
• Use tech tools like 3D printers, electret microphones and computer software programs

Before inventors can bring their ideas to market, they must first understand the marketplace and the path to entering it. In this activity, our young inventors will learn how to navigate the right processes.

• Identify potential buyers and create a pitch
• Design product packaging and marketing materials on a budget

Entrepreneurship encompasses invention, innovation, economics, business and marketing principles. Each of these concepts will play a role in STEM Maker Lab’s final activity, as students apply everything they’ve learned.

• Create a business plan outline
• Experience what it’s like to pitch a product