Club Invention, an after-school enrichment program created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF), in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, is coming to Saint Ann Catholic School in Bartlett, beginning the week of Aug. 20.
For students entering grades one through six, Club Invention immerses children in adventures that encourage creative problem-solving, and enhance their understanding of essential science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts in an after-school setting. It provides the benefits of Camp Invention (NIHF’s nationally recognized summer STEM camp) year-round, so parents can feel good knowing that their children are actively learning from experienced educators who live and teach in the local community.
The Club Invention program helps cultivate ideas critical to STEM education by encouraging exploration and curiosity during everyday activities so children understand that science is everywhere – fostering “whole system” thinkers. Developed by educators, the innovative, tested curricula align with national and state standards. The program also provides teachers a valuable and challenging professional development opportunity to apply new teaching methods and view the learning environment in imaginative ways.
During the children’s time at the local Club Invention, they will be experiencing and learning through E.Z. Science. The premise is that a world-famous science magazine needs the help of children to get the next month’s issue of the magazine on the streets. Children must help E.Z. Science Journal by providing inventive science and mathematical solutions to everyday problems. They must conduct experiments, solve puzzles and create a game with instructions.
For more general information about the program, visit invent.org/inspire/club-invention-afterschool-1st-6th. For more information about Saint Ann’s, visit saintannbartlettschool.org/wp.
