The 2024 Invention Convention Worldwide recently took place at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, showcasing innovative creations from students and industry professionals. Although the event has concluded, the stories of these inventions continue to inspire others. One notable innovator showcased at the convention was Jay Flores, the founder of Invent the Change and the mastermind behind “It’s Not Magic, It’s Science.”
At last year’s Invention Convention, Flores was interviewed by NewsHour Classroom, where he shared his methods of teaching STEM to students by connecting it to their interests and passions. He aims to promote equity in education by creating easy-to-use activities that teach complex concepts. Check out the video above to hear Flores discuss his teaching approach.
In addition to watching Flores in action, there are opportunities for students to get involved in Invention Convention. The event provides a platform for students to showcase their inventions and innovations. For educators looking to join the Invention Education community, there are various resources available, such as the Invention Teacher Fellowship and curriculum writing opportunities.
If you are interested in contributing to NewsHour Classroom as an educator or have ideas for articles or Zoom shows, you can contact vpasquantonio@newshour.org. For free invention education lesson plans and resources, check out NewsHour Classroom’s collection. This post was created by Benjamin Thernstrom, a student intern with PBS NewsHour Classroom, and Vic Pasquantonio from NewsHour.