Camp Invention Teaches Coding And Prototype Building With New "Epic" Curriculum

A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, developed in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Camp Invention leverages hands-on activities to promote STEM learning and build 21st century skills. The program curriculum is created new every year and is inspired by some of our nation's most brilliant minds. These innovation experts include Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame as well as a team of experienced educators.  

"It's incredible what these students are capable of inventing and imagining," said Steve Sasson, inventor of the digital camera and 2011 National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee. "Camp Invention provides us, as Inductees, the opportunity to inspire our youth, as well as be inspired by them.  We can also encourage them to look at failure as a valuable learning opportunity that will allow them to be equipped with the knowledge and power to adapt to any situation."

Epic, this year's Camp Invention curriculum features several video challenges from National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees encouraging children to explore their inventiveness and pitch their innovative ideas. Hands-on modules include:

• CrickoBot™, where campers construct and personalize a DIY solar-powered cricket in a unique habitat
• Epic Park ™, where campers work in teams to design an eco-adventure park
• I Can Invent: Maker Studio™, where campers brainstorm product ideas and build original prototypes using real tools and components found in everyday devices
• The Lab: Where Pigs Fly™, where campers discover the science of slime, demolition, electronic sound, giant squid and coding

Camp Invention prides itself on using problem-based learning and hands-on activities to tackle the fears of STEM education and enables students to embrace the art of innovation. According to ChangeMaker Consulting, a third party market research and analytics firm, the model is working. Data analysis from Camp Invention satisfaction surveys indicated that parents saw a significant increase in their children's interest and confidence in STEM after attending Camp Invention.

"Camp Invention weaves together concepts and activities that promote creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship," said CEO Michael Oister. "Our curriculum boosts STEM confidence in children by supporting the free-flow of ideas, empowering curiosity, and encouraging team collaboration."

During the weeklong program, Camp Invention participants are educated about the importance of Intellectual Property Literacy™. "Camp Invention provides the USPTO with the opportunity to increase children's understanding of the value of Intellectual Property and the roles that patents, trademarks and copyrights play in the landscape of innovation," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO Michelle K. Lee. "We are excited for this year's curriculum and are proud to be a part of an organization that will continue to inspire innovation in youth for many decades to come."

Since 1990, Camp Invention and its related programming has influenced over one million students. Annually, Camp Invention programs impact more than 97,000 children at 1,300 plus sites across the nation.

Local programs are facilitated and taught by certified educators who reside and teach in the community. To find a camp in your local community, visit our Camp Finder or for additional information, visit www.campinvention.org.

Join the Camp Invention conversation and help shape the future of our nation by using #CampInvention on social media.

About Camp Invention:
Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program focused on creativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention. Through hands-on programming, Camp Invention encourages children in grades one through six to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum inspired by some the world's great inventors. Camp Invention, the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the Collegiate Inventors Competition serve as the authority on inspiring invention and compose Invent Now. This nationwide nonprofit organization is committed to the curious minds and innovative spirits of the past, present and future. Since 1990, our education programs have served over one million children and 125,000 teachers and Leadership Interns.

CONTACT:
Desiree Bartoe
Gatesman+Dave
[email protected]  
412-337-9720

SOURCE Camp Invention

Related Links

http://www.campinvention.org