The Lemelson–MIT Program announced today the launch of the Junior Varsity InvenTeam initiative, a program designed to cultivate skills in ninth and tenth grade students lacking access to enrichment opportunities in STEM. The initiative begins with pilots in Massachusetts and Texas, with plans to extend to California and the Pacific Northwest in 2015.
JV InvenTeams practice invention-based design activities and apply their learned skills to create useful and unique projects, including shoe soles and wearable electronics. Students will also learn to present projects at regional capstone events alongside other JV InvenTeams and their varsity counterparts, Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams.
The Massachusetts grantees are affiliated with 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The Learning Centers offer community connections and sites for after-school enrichment opportunities. Grantees in Texas include science and engineering educators who will work with their students on invention projects inside and outside the classroom.
