Throughout an exciting interdisciplinary STEM invention unit, the goal was to stimulate the imagination of RYNJ sixth graders, and provide a channel in which to unleash their creative juices.

Sixth graders spend a great deal of time reading about many famous inventors, studying the historical impact of some extraordinary inventions, writing a brief research report and sharing their findings in a wide variety of projects which are artfully displayed during an exciting Invention Convention culminating evening.

In science, the children experience the scientific process through problem solving and brainstorming experiments.The children learn how to innovate and invent and keep track of their many iterations. During English and library, students are introduced to the aspects of writing a cohesive research essay. Additionally, the sixth graders are exposed to the many facets of advertising and apply those ideas to multimodal powerpoints, videos, posters and business cards designed to market their products during technology workshops.

During the entire unit, the RYNJ sixth grade teachers emphasize the numerous steps involved in invention and the collaborative process.

Research has proven that this type of invention exploration encourages creativity, enhances self-image, develops the essential skills of logical thinking and creative problem solving, and promotes intellectual risk-taking and expanded communication skills.

A fabulous, creative and informative Invention Convention evening was shared by students and parents alike.