Welcome to Invent the Future — one of the region’s largest annual science, technology, engineering, and design, challenges for middle schoolers!
The program supports development of innovative thinking, technical and social emotional skills, and an interest in STEM — inspiring and supporting educators along the way.
Invent the Future is open to all middle school students and is designed to fit into classroom curriculum or as an after school club.
Students who participate in Invent the Future gain much more than technical skills. They learn to work collaboratively, be critical thinkers, and persist through failure. They learn that they can make an impact on the world around them.
Teachers report that this program has reenergized them, opening up a new way to teach and inspire kids to learn.
Middle school students are at a critical time for identity-formation and are making choices that can impact their higher education and career paths. Invent the Future activates students’ technical skills in the context of creative problem solving and real-world challenges, empowering them with a sense of confidence and agency needed to apply these skills for future success.
Teams come from across the DC region, including public and private schools, as well as parent-led teams that can combine students from different schools. In 2022, 329 teams made up of over 1,500 students participated in the program.
Over the past few years, the team at KID Museum has refined this program to include curriculum integration, a variety of resources, professional development, and guidance to successfully involve their students in this program.
If you are interested in learning more about Invention Studio skill building workshops, the Invent the Future Project Curriculum or professional development opportunities, please contact inventthefuture@kid-museum.org.
Step 1: Build your team(s). Each team is made up of 3-6 middle school students (6th – 8th grade) and needs an adult Team Coordinator. Coordinators can sponsor multiple teams.
Step 2: Teams choose an environmental problem to solve and design a prototype. (The prototype does not need to be fully functioning but must communicate their concept.)
Step 3: Create a prototype. Teams cannot spend more than $60 on materials!
Step 4: Teams present their inventions and receive feedback from judges/STEM professionals and all teams are eligible to win awards and prizes.
Looking for resources, including the Invent the Future Challenge Guide, information about professional development, and more? Contact us at inventthefuture@kid-museum.org.
