Page 30 - spaces4learning, Spring 2023

spaces4learning PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
BRINGING
STEAM TO LIFE
􏰀􏰁 TH􏰂 K–12
CLASSROOM
By John Peretz
WHAT IF YOU COULD APPLY CRUCIAL STEAM concepts in a way that engages students like never before? That was the goal when Inventionland Education created its K–12 curriculum.
In the Inventionland Innovation course, students work in small groups to find a problem and create an invention to solve it. It follows a real-world, proven, 9-step method used at Inventionland, one of the world's largest invention factories.
The course puts students in charge of their education, opening up a new world of creativity, innovation, and inspiration rarely found in other classes.
Along the way, students learn crucial soft skills like problem- solving, collaboration, and presenting. The course culminates with an invention contest, where students pitch their idea to
panelists.
The course allows students to learn new skills that prepare
them for college, careers, and real life.
Authentic Industry-based Learning
In addition to learning the process of innovation, students get valuable exposure to various STEAM careers such as engineering, structural package design, electronics, communications, and more.
In addition, Inventionland Education allows students to engage with working professionals through its virtual mentoring program.
Educator Perspectives
According to Karen Garland, who co-teaches the Inventionland course at Grove City Middle School in Pennsylvania, "There's excitement from parents. Parents hear about these inventions. And when something gets home to the parent, and when par- ents say 'My child is talking about school at home?', that's a home run, especially in middle school."
Mr. Larry Connelly, Principal of Grove City Middle School, explained, "I have found over the last several years that it is probably the greatest program that we currently have in Grove City Middle School in terms of student engagement, student enthusiasm, and student outcomes for so many skills they learn along the way. Not many classes have that kind of enthusiasm leading into it."
Dr. Joshua Weaver, Assistant Superintendent of Grove City Middle School, states, "As far as the curriculum in this program and its connection to STEAM, it's truly impressive. In watching a
30 SPRING 2023 | spaces4learning.com