Growth Mindset Education

 The Secrets of an Invention: how inventors think and act

For ages 13-17 years old

Duration: 8 weeks (2 hours/week)


STEAM Fields: science, technology, engineering, arts, Mathematics

What is an invention? How does it differ from a discovery? How did Archimedes feel when he discovered the law of buoyancy and jumped out of his bath shouting “Eureka, eureka!”?;

The truth is that even today, we don't know exactly how our brain works, and we certainly don't know what that "magic trigger" is that "turns on a light bulb in our head" and gives us the long-awaited new idea for a new invention. But what we do know is that every invention requires a lot of work and a lot of study, but above all, a special way of thinking that "leads" our mind in many different directions and "secret passages" until we reach the invention or discovery.

Learning objectives

The children, in groups, will study and discuss the special ways of thinking of great inventors and how inventors act and, with our help, they will try to invent something new, in any subject or field they want. At the end of the lesson, they will present their invention and we will all discuss together various ways of implementing it.

NAGC skills cultivated:

1.Critical thinking: Development of the ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize information.
2.Creative thinking: Enhancing imagination, innovation and inventiveness.
3. Problem solving: Cultivating skills in identifying and addressing complex problems.
4.Communication skills: Improving written and oral communication.
5.Autonomy and self-regulation: Self-management and time management skills.
6.Fair and ethical thinking: Cultivation of values, ethics and social responsibility.
7.Learning through discovery: Developing curiosity and ability for independent learning.

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 8 – Decent work and economic development
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructures
SDG 10– Small increases, small adjustments