Oregon-based STEM-focused nonprofit, Oregon MESA (Mathematics Science Engineering Achievement) has created a student-friendly Invention Tool Kit and a mentor-based coaching program for students, educators and classroom to build their own microprocessor-powered invention right at home.
The Invention Toolkit is an innovative curriculum framework for middle and high school educators designed to help female, low-income and students of color practice using invention to solve real-world problems. Executive Director Tong Zhang said Oregon MESA was an after-school program that has now become virtual. Offered with full trainings and ongoing support for educators of all backgrounds, the toolkit facilitates the full invention process, from inception to product development, with an introduction to invention and human-centered stages and concepts, design activities, worksheets and lesson guides, and a pacing guide for implementation.