What Is Invention Education? An Inspired Approach to Learning

In a changing world driven by innovation and technology, educators must prepare students to become confident, capable creators who are able to overcome unfamiliar challenges and take on jobs that may not yet exist – and that responsibility can feel overwhelming. With over 50 years of acknowledging and joining forces with the world’s most remarkable innovators, the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® recognizes the power of tapping into individual curiosity to unlock cutting-edge ideas and creative potential.

One of the ways we do this is through invention education.

Defining Invention Education

Invention education is a unique approach to learning that challenges students through hands-on problem solving. It demonstrates to young learners how to be empathetic inventors by encouraging them to identify real-world problems – often ones that don’t have clear and easy answers – and develop their own solutions.

In traditional education settings, students often are met with passive approaches to learning that involve lectures and consuming education media. In contrast, invention education invites students to be active participants in their own learning experiences by designing, prototyping and inventing. It calls on them to use imaginative reasoning and critical thinking to overcome obstacles.

When students are given open-ended challenges within the realm of invention education, they are empowered to explore the possibilities of their own creativity. As they discover their autonomy as creators, they often grow a passion for these experiences, cultivating a genuine love of learning, exploring and finding new ways to see the world.

Developing an I Can Invent Mindset

Long before invention education gained the popularity and scholarship it enjoys today, the National Inventors Hall of Fame was developing education programs that embrace innovation. Rooted in connections with life-enhancing inventors – National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees – our approach to invention education is informed by what we call the I Can Invent^® Mindset. This growth mindset, encompassing essential skills and traits, equips students for a lifetime of learning.

The I Can Invent Mindset consists of the following competencies:

• Confidence
• Design Thinking
• Persistence
• Creative Problem Solving
• STEM
• Entrepreneurship
• Collaboration
• Intellectual Property
• Innovation

Discover more about the I Can Invent Mindset.

Applying Invention Education

At its core, invention education strives to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real life. Students are encouraged to make connections between the concepts they learn in math, science and other subjects, and apply them to solving real-world problems, making learning more meaningful and engaging.

Invention education has grown into a transformative pedagogy as it promotes critical thinking, encourages collaboration and empowers students by giving them the tools and confidence to turn their ideas into tangible solutions. For nearly 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame has provided one-of-a-kind programs that have wholly adopted this education theory, offering innovative, hands-on STEM experiences for in-school and out-of-school time. With lessons directly inspired and informed by National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees and curricula thoughtfully developed by a team of education experts, our programs present unmatched invention education opportunities for students across the country.

Learn More About How Invention Education Can Transform Your District’s Outcomes

Explore our website for more on invention education and National Inventors Hall of Fame education programs.