Pathways to STEM Engagement through Invention Education to Careers

Two Part Virtual Learning Series from 10am-12pm

Wednesday, September 20th 

AND

Wednesday, September 27th 

Session Description: This training focuses on how participants can leverage invention education to engage students in STEM learning. Invention education is a student-centered, project based approach that teaches the unique way inventors find and solve problems they care about. Participants will learn how to incorporate activities and projects that build critical thinking, creativity, and confidence all while exposing students to careers in STEM, invention, and entrepreneurship.

Objectives:

1. Participants will learn and engage with invention education activities that develop students’ critical thinking, creativity, and other 21st century workforce skills.
2. Participants will become familiar with free educational resources related to invention, entrepreneurship, and STEM.
3. Participants will learn strategies for adapting and aligning resources to meet their student context and program goals.

IAN Trainer: Nicole Prahin Rodriguez leads the Illinois Student Invention Convention, a program of Chicago Innovation. Nicole believes that experiences like the invention convention are powerful catalysts for students’ interest in STEAM and for their ability to see themselves as innovators in their community. Because of this, she is excited to bring together educators and local partners to support students in their invention journey. Before joining Chicago Innovation, Nicole served as a classroom teacher, teaching artist, and nonprofit leader managing the implementation of a math tutoring program across six school districts.