Every Child Can Invent with the Innovation Mindset

Innovation Mindset

At the core of every National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) education program is the Innovation Mindset — a growth mindset infused with lessons from world-changing inventors that can empower children throughout their lives.

The Innovation Mindset is made up of nine essential skills and traits that are strengthened each time a child applies them. By developing each aspect of this mindset through open-ended, hands-on exploration, our programs guide children to unlock their creative potential.

The Right Skills to Take on Any Challenge

Confidence

Children build confidence as they turn their ideas into reality and begin to see themselves as capable creators. This will benefit them not only in the process of invention but in every area of life.

Design Thinking

Design thinking helps children identify and solve problems. By focusing on the people who will use the things they create, children can apply empathy to design solutions that meet their users’ needs.

Creative Problem Solving

Through creative problem solving, children learn to use critical and creative thinking to develop innovative solutions, preparing them to take on both everyday problems and complex challenges.

STEM

By engaging in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), children will be better equipped to apply their ingenuity, pursue in-demand careers and make their mark on our rapidly evolving world.

Collaboration

Collaboration is essential to developing each aspect of this mindset. Through teamwork, children learn empathy and acceptance of people and ideas while contributing to creative solutions.

Persistence

The persistence to recover from failure and overcome obstacles is essential for every aspect of life. Our programs foster perseverance through a “create, test and retest” approach to learning.

Innovation

The drive to innovate is what moves society forward. By engaging in hands-on challenges involving real-world issues, children are encouraged to dream up new inventions and improve upon existing ones.

Intellectual Property

As they discover the power and purpose of intellectual property (IP), children recognize the value of their own ideas. With an understanding of IP, children are prepared to protect their rights as creators.

Entrepreneurship

By exploring entrepreneurship and building basic business skills, children become curious, creative risk-takers and self-assured leaders who follow their dreams and can inspire others to do the same.

Bring the Innovation Mindset to your student

Learn more about our invention education programs and contact us to customize a solution for your district.

The Right Skills to Take on Any Challenge

Confidence

Children build confidence as they turn their ideas into reality and begin to see themselves as capable creators. This will benefit them not only in the process of invention but in every area of life.

Design Thinking

Design thinking helps children identify and solve problems. By focusing on the people who will use the things they create, children can apply empathy to design solutions that meet their users’ needs.

Creative Problem Solving

Through creative problem solving, children learn to use critical and creative thinking to develop innovative solutions, preparing them to take on both everyday problems and complex challenges.

STEM

By engaging in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), children will be better equipped to apply their ingenuity, pursue in-demand careers and make their mark on our rapidly evolving world.