KID Museum is the leading center for maker learning in the nation. Our hands-on programs impart STEM skills and instill the “Mind of a Maker,” helping kids and families understand that they have the power to make a difference in the world.
OUR IMPACT
At KID, we know what works.
That’s because we’ve been studying it for more than a decade. By evaluating our programs in school and out-of-school settings, everything we do is informed by how hands-on, maker-centered learning directly impacts students, educators, and families.
And as learning evolves, so does KID. We embrace change, like the emergence of AI, while remaining true to our belief that the things human hands and brains and hearts can make are forever unmatched.
Proven Programs
Learn more about some of our signature programs and their impact.
Maker Math
Through specialized teacher professional development and tailored classroom learning, Maker Math not only makes math more enjoyable for students but also significantly improves comprehension and retention.
“I am so impressed with how much [my student] has changed during this program. Her attitude is completely different.” – Maker Math participating teacher
Why It Matters: Research shows that where learning happens directly affects student motivation and achievement. Creating spaces of belonging, fostering growth mindsets, improving teacher preparedness, and building positive relationships between students and teachers lead to environments where students are more engaged, motivated, and successful in math.
Go Deeper: Download Maker Math: A Case Study on KID Museum’s
Approach to Addressing Learning Loss
Real Skills In An AI World
KID’s approach to AI is to help students uncover the everyday presence of AI in their lives, understand how it works, and build the confidence to use it critically and creatively. In a semester-long intensive, teens explored the foundations of AI, reflected on ethical and social implications of emerging technologies, and worked in teams to train machine learning models using tools like Google’s Teachable Machine, integrating them into interactive exhibits, games, and physical builds.
Why It Matters: Even in an AI-infused world, only two of the top 10 most in-demand skills are AI-specific, according to a recent report. The rest — communication, management, operations, leadership, research, customer service, writing, and problem solving — were non-technical, further reinforcing the need to train students to use AI responsibly while also maintaining the uniquely human skills like imagination and empathy they’ll need to thrive.
Go Deeper: Read Our Approach to AI: Building a Deeper Understanding of this Powerful Tool.
Invention Programs
KID’s Invention Programs use hands-on, maker-based learning and culturally sustaining teaching practices to help students see themselves as creators, problem solvers, and innovators in STEM. 93% of elementary school students, and 84% of middle school students who participated in KID Museum’s Invention Programs in School Year 2024-2025 reported an increased sense of belonging in STEM spaces.
“The thing I remember about KID Museum is everyone gets to make something new and unique. It made me feel like I belong.”- 4th grade Invention Program participant
Why It Matters: Evidence shows that students with a strong sense of belonging are more likely to be positively engaged in school and perform well academically.
Go Deeper: Download Invention Programs: Signature Experiences for Elementary & Middle School
88
of students in the program reported that they were more interested in STEM
Community Spotlight: Making An Impact Wherever Learning Happens
Community partnership is central to KID’s approach to expanding access to high-quality STEM learning. Together with Identity, a multi-cultural youth and family services organization, KID Museum launched an innovative pilot program to improve STEM literacy among 300 2nd and 3rd graders in Title I elementary schools.
KID Museum and Identity’s three-pronged approach includes culturally-sustaining curriculums, professional development and facilitation coaching for Identity’s bilingual youth development staff, and engagement sessions for parents and caregivers to build community support around the values of STEM education.
Why It Matters: When families are engaged in their children’s academic growth, relational trust increases and students are more likely to succeed academically. Community-based, wrap-around educational programming ensures Latino students develop the foundational math, science, and technology skills that are essential for long-term academic and career success, while enhancing parent’s understanding of STEM education.
Go Deeper: Download STEM Equity Through Community-Based Maker Learning: A Partnership Between KID Museum and Identity
BY THE NUMBERS
474,000
people served since opening in 2014
In the past year...
2,710
elementary students participated in KID Inventors Programs
95
of elementary students felt joy in learning STEM concepts
74
of elementary students
liked math more at KID
85
of elementary students thought “people like me” can be scientists or engineers
89
of elementary students felt a sense of belonging at KID
OUR DATA
Using surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups, and family conversations, we gather both quantitative and qualitative data to continuously improve our work. We’ve also partnered with Georgetown University and Old Dominion University to conduct research that strengthens and validates our findings.
REPORTS
Identity Case Study: STEM Equity Through Community-Based Maker Learning – 2026
KID Museum Invention Programs – 2024-2025 Report
KID Museum Teach for the Future Fellowship – 2024-2025 Report
KID + MCPS Partnership: Our Data & Impact SY 2022-2023
KID Museum Impact Report – January 2022