FAQ

Do you need a makerspace for this course?

No, while high-tech makerspace equipment can be incorporated into this course, it is not required. This course can easily be taught with a variety of cardboard scraps, scissors, adhesives, and assorted craft supplies. If desired, this course can be taught entirely digitally using CAD programming and art-focused design software.

Is step one crucial to every grade level?

Because the class and portfolio project is cumulative, it is important to review each step. You can spend more time on steps that you want to highlight or feel that students need to more fully understand.

What is the time frame for the course?

Ideally this course will be taught over a semester. We recommend dedicating at least 90 hours to the course. This is a flexible curriculum and has been taught in multiple settings and time frames including; after school, as a weekly special for a year, as a summer program, over a trimester, and as a core class taught daily for a semester.

Who has access to the students’ ideas once they are added to the curriculum portal?

The teacher of the course will have access to this information. Inventionland Education can access this information, but will not do so unless requested by the school.

How do you determine the pacing for each semester?

It can depend upon the students' learning needs and what project they decide to do. Typically the hands sections will take longer than the introduction.

Do you have a list of recommended readings that all students should read per step? What is required and what is optional?

That is teacher-determined.

Is this standards aligned?

Yes, standard alignments can be viewed in the curriculum portal at the top of each step.

Are there parts of the course that require a group approach by the students?

Yes, the whole course is geared toward dividing students into small groups that enhance student interaction and collaboration throughout the semester.

Does this course work on a tablet?

Yes, this course will work from any internet-capable device.

Does every student need to have a computer?

No, but we highly recommend access to computers for certain steps of the curriculum. This is highlighted in the steps that require a computer/internet for research.

Are there additional teacher supplement materials and/or lesson plans?

Teachers will have access to printable teacher resources, pitch competition preparation guides, hands-on lesson plans, and remote learning activities. These resources are housed in the Teacher Resource section of the curriculum portal.

The Inventionland Education Teacher Resource Store is available online, and Inventionland Education products are also available in the in-person retail location inside of Inventionland. Hands-on resources and prototyping consumables can be purchased from the Teacher Resource Store. You can view the Teacher Resource Store online or by visiting the Inventionland Factory in person.

Are there any formative or summative assessments? What is the role of formative assessment in measuring the written, taught, and understood curriculum?

Formative assessment: Challenge Activities and quizzes per lesson.

Summative assessment: The school-level pitch contest is the culminating event for most students, where they are given the opportunity to share their projects with a panel of judges and their school communities. It is also the most practical time for teachers to conduct their final mastery evaluations. Principal concept checklists and point evaluation rubrics are available in the Teacher Resource section for teacher use.

How do we contact Inventionland® Education if we have questions or are ready to set up an event?

Contact information for the school liaison is listed in the Teacher Resource section of the website, under Stay in Touch or you can submit a ticket with support in your account area. We look forward to hearing from you!