Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW) is a free K-12 invention education program that teaches students problem-identification, problem-solving, creativity and entrepreneurship, and builds confidence in invention, innovation and entrepreneurship for life.
It includes ready-to-use curriculum and lesson plans, plus live, virtual, or asynchronous professional development for teachers and schools. Flexible and adaptable, the program can run in any setting or timeframe—whether in classrooms, clubs, or at home over 9–12 weeks. IC naturally engages ELA, humanities, entrepreneurship, and the arts alongside STEM.
As IC-NY, we support educators and schools in implementing this program successfully and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore innovation and invention. By partnering with us, you become an essential part of our mission to expand innovation and entrepreneurship education to students across New York State.
Why teach inventing?
· Because every student is a problem-solver!
· Teaching invention goes beyond STEM. It empowers students with the tools to navigate an ever-changing world. Students learn how to think critically, work creatively, and take initiative.
· When students invent, they:
- Solve problems that matter to them;
- Build confidence in their ideas;
- Develop real-world skills in research, design, and communication;
- Learn to persevere through challenges;
- Discover that failure is a step towards innovation; and
- Create prototypes using basic and inexpensive office supplies.
· No matter the grade level or subject area, invention invites students to take ownership of their learning and see themselves as capable creators of change.
· Invention transforms classrooms. It transforms kids. That’s why we teach invention.
Free introductory PD opportunities
Training is not required to run Invention Convention; however we strongly encourage educators new to the program to attend a training. You will gain not only an overview of how the program works, but also direct familiarity with our curriculum and some of the activities within.
We provide free introductory PD opportunities for educators who wish to learn how to use the Invention Convention curriculum with their students.
In your introductory PD session you will:
- play invention-based games that can be implemented in your classroom the very next day;
- learn how to bring invention education to your unique educational context, elementary, middle, or high school;
- start your students on the pathway to participating in Invention Convention Worldwide;
- gain access to inHub, The Henry Ford’s comprehensive online repository of invention education lessons; and activities that includes turnkey Invention Convention lesson plans published in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Arabic among its wide array of educational resources and online courses.
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and priorities:
1. Self-paced asynchronous online: This is a 3-hour online professional development session that introduces you to the curriculum, classroom activities, and lesson plans. To participate, please create an account on inHub and access the course Bringing Invention Education to Your Classroom. This great introduction is available year-round.
2. Live synchronous online: IC-NY currently offers 2-3 hour online PD sessions according to your availability which will introduce you to the curriculum,
classroom activities, and lesson plans. For this option, please reach out to Dr. Rick Beal, Professional Development Facilitator, info@newyorkinvents.org. Each fall and early winter, we will roll out scheduled PD sessions. New academic year's schedule will be available on this page in August for PD sessions in September–January.
3. In-person: We can provide 3-6 hours in-person professional development sessions at a location convenient for you. For this option we need to have at least 3-5 teachers. To request, please mail to, info@newyorkinvents.org.
4. Schedule On-Site Professional Development
Schools, districts, and after school programs can schedule on-site IC-NY professional development tailored to their needs. Half-day or full-day sessions can be held during your designated PD days or over the summer. Our workshops offer hands-on guidance, planning support, and practical strategies to help your team successfully implement the Invention Convention program. IC-NY provides lunch at full-day sessions. To schedule an on-site PD session, please mail to info@newyorkinvents.org.