Today, we’re talking about the role of invention in education – and why design thinking and problem-based learning should, ultimately, have a much greater role in our classrooms than they currently do.

To illustrate the value of invention, we invited two amazing guests, Robin Hilsmeier and Jim Bruner, to discuss how the Ohio Invention League gives students the opportunity to practice design thinking by creating, marketing, and pitching solutions to societal problems.

We describe the Invention League, as well as the national Invention Convention program, in detail in the episode, but Jim provides a wonderful explanation that will help you understand the high-level concept: “Invention Convention is a science fair with purpose. The kids have to create something that is an answer to a problem; it's a product, and then they sell, market, and promote that product with data.”

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

Resources:

• Learn more at inventionleague.org
• Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhilsmeier
• Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbruner/

Learning Unboxed is produced in part by Crate Media

Recorded by Eric French at WOSU Studios in Columbus, Ohio