AcclaimedSummer

STEMProgram
FOR GRADES K-6

Learn more about Camp Invention here.

A NATIONAL INVENTORS HALL OF FAME® EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Tableofcontents
table

CampInventionOverview SimplifySummerPlanning ModuleOverviews TypicalDayatCampInvention

PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGES 5-10 PAGES 11-12

What’sIncluded HowItWorks Appendix

PAGE 13 PAGE 14 PAGE 15

Learn more about Camp Invention here.

 InnovativeExperiences
Innovative Experiences

Hands-OnSTEMSummerCamp • Real-world challenges lead children to practice empathy, and build

confidence and persistence while becoming solution seekers
Our nationally recognized K-6 summer enrichment program, • Authentic, collaborative STEM experiences foster 21st-century skills
Camp Invention®, is a weeklong day camp that has reached • High-energy activities and opportunities for outdoor exploration
keep children active and engaged
children across the country for more than 30 years. Each year,
brand new curriculum is developed and tested to deliver hands-
on activities that encourage divergent thinking. Camp Invention TurnkeyImplementation
is backed by independent research, inspired by lessons from
world-changing inventors and designed to spark imaginations • All-inclusive program curriculum and materials
through open-ended engagement in creative problem solving. • Promotional materials provided to help drive registrations
• Dedicated National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) support
”
My kids and I love the hands-on exploration and
open-minded thinking and brainstorming of ideas. They Flexible&ImmersiveCurriculum
are free to discover, imagine and grow for a whole week
unrestricted, every thought and idea is accepted and
can be built upon. • Four thematic modules with hands-on activities
” • Adapts to meet unique scheduling needs for an in-person or
at-home experience
JA N O. C A M P I N V EN T I O N I NS T RUC TO R • Aligned to State, Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards

Learn more about Camp Invention here.

 SIMPLIFYSUMMERPLANNING
IN-PERSONANDAT-HOMEFORMATSFORPEACEOFMIND
Our 2021 Camp Invention program has flexibility built in. Typically
offered as a one-week camp, the program schedule can be
customized to meet district needs and is designed to run both in
person and at home.
In-person experience. Each experience delivers consistent activities for students, and
educators are provided with implementation support for both
formats. The at-home experience, with on- and off-screen learning
options, ships materials directly to campers and provides educators
with interactive videos and scripts. The in-person format provides
the step-by-step curriculum for educators and all the materials are
shipped directly to the program site or other preferred location.

Districts can quickly pivot to a fully at-home experience if necessary,

and parents can change their experience format up to six weeks
before their camp start date. This approach empowers educators
At-home, on-screen experience. and families to confidently make plans now and adjust later.
Regardless of how circumstances may change, your Program Team
— certified local educators — will be ready, and children will enjoy
the benefits of camp no matter where it takes place.

At-home, off-screen experience.

Learn more about Camp Invention here.

theInnovationMindset
Every NIHF education program is built on the belief that every
child can invent. Through open-ended, hands-on exploration,
children build an Innovation Mindset — a growth mindset infused
with lessons from world-changing inventors — that enables and
empowers them in all areas of their lives.

The Innovation Mindset is made up of these nine essential skills

and traits that are strengthened every time a child applies them.
Each Camp Invention module highlights different aspects of this
mindset, guiding children to unlock their full potential and discover
the power of their own creativity.

2021campinventionmodules

CAMP INVENTION DUCK CHUCK™ CAMP INVENTION OPEN MIC™ CAMP INVENTION ROAD RALLY™ CAMP INVENTION SOLARBOT™
Through hands-on experiments with To amplify their creative voice, Imaginations accelerate as children To take care of their very own solar-
trajectory and velocity, children build children reverse engineer a wireless design a vehicle that can travel across powered robotic cricket, children
their own device to launch rubber microphone, then develop and land and has prototype elements for create protective gear, customized
ducks around the world. promote their own extraordinary moving through air and water. habitats and fun cricket playgrounds.
STEM invention. Persistence Creative Problem Solving
Entrepreneurship Confidence Design Thinking Persistence
Creative Problem Solving Intellectual Property Innovation STEM
Design Thinking

Learn more about Camp Invention here.

KEYSKILLSAND
CONCEPTS
duckChuckModuleoverview
In this global adventure, children design, build and test a device to launch rubber
ducks. First, they collect and budget “quack coins” to buy materials for creating their
Entrepreneurship device. Then they launch their ducks around the world in an exciting effort to visit
famous landmarks while putting the physics concepts of trajectory and velocity to
the test.
Marketing
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
THIS MODULE EMPHASIZES THESE ASPECTS OF THE INNOVATION MINDSET:
Angles and
Angles and
Measurement
Measurement

Trajectory and
Velocity
Exploring STEM concepts Building entrepreneurship Determining how to modify
like velocity and trajectory to skills by trademarking and inventions through hands-on,
design launching devices. marketing inventions. creative problem solving.

Duck Chuck Aligns to Common

LearnCore
moreState
aboutStandards and Next
Camp Invention Generation Science Standards
here.
 KEYSKILLSAND
CONCEPTS
OpenMicModuleoverview
In this empowering module, children voice their ideas as their imaginations are
amplified through invention and entrepreneurship! First, they reverse engineer a
Intellectual Property wireless microphone, and then they follow the Camp Invention Design Thinking
Process™ to develop and pitch their own amazing inventions.

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Presentation Skills
THIS MODULE EMPHASIZES THESE ASPECTS OF THE INNOVATION MINDSET:

Reverse Engineering
Reverse Engineering

Sketching and
Sketching and Designing
Designing
Invention Prototypes
Invention Prototypes Gaining confidence while Discovering the power Practicing Design Thinking
sharing original ideas and purpose of Intellectual by moving from sketches to
and delivering persuasive Property through lessons from prototypes to marketable
invention pitches. world-changing inventors. products.

Open Mic Aligns to Common

Learn
Core
more
State
about
Standards
Camp Invention
and Nexthere.
Generation Science Standards
 KEYSKILLSAND
CONCEPTS
RoadRallyModuleoverview
Entering a Vehicle Design Lab, children apply nature-based discoveries to create
vehicles that can travel across land and have morphing prototype elements
Animal Features and to show how it might adapt to move through the air and even under water.
Adaptations
Exploring energy, fuel and movement, children modify their designs to take on
challenges in an exciting Super Road Rally.
Motion in Nature
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
THIS MODULE EMPHASIZES THESE ASPECTS OF THE INNOVATION MINDSET:

Building and
Building and Testing
Testing

Energy

Building persistence through Applying Design Thinking to give Achieving innovation by adding
the process of creating and vehicles the ability to maneuver elements inspired by nature to
modifying prototypes. through a series of obstacles. morphing vehicle designs.

Road Rally Aligns to Common

Learn
Core
more
State
about
Standards
Camp Invention
and Nexthere.
Generation Science Standards
 KEYSKILLSAND
CONCEPTS
SolarbotModuleoverview
Children explore circuitry, engineering and cricket anatomy as they make and
adopt their own solar-powered robotic cricket. Hands-on challenges lead them
Alternative Energy to consider the lives of real insects as they create customized habitats complete
with cricket playgrounds, develop cricket-inspired musical inventions and
outsmart predators.
Circuitry CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
THIS MODULE EMPHASIZES THESE ASPECTS OF THE INNOVATION MINDSET:

Habitats and
Habitats and
Ecosystems
Ecosystems

Water Conservation
Applying STEM to understand Developing persistence Using creative problem solving
crickets’ antennae, molting while designing and testing to build cricket wings and
abilities, sound detection and protective gear for SolarBots. compete in a Chirp-Off.
powerful legs.

SolarBot Aligns to Common

Learn
Core
more
State
about
Standards
Camp Invention
and Next Generation
here. Science Standards
KEYSKILLSAND
CONCEPTS
campinventionGamesoverview
Camp Invention Games supplements our four core modules by giving children the
opportunity to engage in more teamwork, out-of-the-box thinking and physical fun
Gross Motor Skills through energetic and enriching activities. Games can be used during the lunch break
each day or implemented during Base Camp, where children begin and end each day.
*Games applies to our in-person format only.
Fine Motor Skills
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CAMP INVENTION GAMES EMPHASIZES THESE INNOVATION MINDSET HABITS:

Teamwork
Teamwork

Creative Thinking

Gaining confidence and Applying creative problem solving Building persistence to

building agility through both to devise strategies in games using overcome fun challenges, from
collaboration and competition. unusual objects and new rules. balloon tosses to relay races.

Learn more about Camp Invention here.

 ATypicalDayatCampInventioninperson
A TYPICAL DAY1 AT CAMP INVENTION IN PERSON MAY FOLLOW THE SCHEDULE BELOW:

11:40a.m.
9 a.m. lunchbreak 3:15 p.m.
Half the Afternoon
morning participants
enjoy lunch while BaseCamp
basecamp the others go Children wind
Children engage down with
outside for Camp
in Activity Kit problem-solving
Invention Games,
experiences to games before
and then they
prepare for the day. signing out.
switch.

extended program program extendedDay

Day modules modules
Children
Children Children participating in
Children engage Extended Day2
participating in warm up their
in more hands- are picked up after
Extended Day2 imagination with
on STEM and engaging in more
enjoy activities STEM challenges
Design Thinking fun, hands-on
that build on the in the first two
Challenges as they activities.
momentum of the modules of the
dive into the two
core program. day.
afternoon modules.
5:30p.m.
7:30a.m. 9:15a.m. 1:05p.m.

1. Activities are grouped by grade level, 2. Extended Day is offered as a parent opt-in for an additional
allowing children of all ages to build registration fee. Participants not registered for Extended Day will
Learn more about Camp Invention here.
confidence as creators and innovators. arrive at 9 a.m. and sign out at 3:30 p.m.
 ATypicalDayatCampInventionathome
Prior to the program week, each participant registered for the at-home experience will
receive their Camp Invention At Home activity kits delivered directly to their home.
Participants are encouraged to unbox and explore their materials before camp begins!

1 p.m.
10 a.m. ContinueDaily
Challenges
UNPLUGANDGET Participants enjoy screen-
free time continuing
CREATIVE hands-on exploration
Participants set off
of STEM challenges
to take on the day’s
and prepare for their
challenges, typically
afternoon collaboration
completing one module
session to share the day’s
per day.
inventions!

dailyKickoff Coaching Collaborateand

Coaches kick off each
day of camp with a
Participants join their Share
Coach for opportunities Participants join their
live online session that to extend their learning fellow campers and
includes icebreakers, with more hands-on Coach for questions,
module instruction challenges. brainstorming and
and opportunities to
collaboration.

12 p.m.
collaborate.

9a.m. 3p.m.
During off-screen, self-led creative time, children are encouraged to follow their step-by-step activity guides,
take opportunities to complete
morechallenges outdoors andhere.
work at their own pace.
Learn about Camp Invention
 What’sIncluded:CampInventionInPersonandAtHome
Camp Invention In Person Camp Invention At Home

Program Team compensation

Program Logistics

Program Team orientations

Participant registration portal

Promotional support (advertising, banners, flyers and posters)

CAMP INVENTION PROVIDES

Materials, curriculum and instructor guide for 32.5 hours of programming,

shipped directly to the program location
Materials and step-by-step activity guides for 32.5 hours of programming,
shipped directly to each participant and Program Team Member
Implementation Support

Daily schedules and prerecorded videos to supplement the curriculum

Scripts to facilitate the program, with content that varies for in-person and
at-home sessions

Screen-free or online experience option for participants

Camp Invention T-shirt for participants and Program Team Members

Liability insurance

Classroom or physical space

District or Host
Site Provides

Online platform for at-home experience

Assistance distributing promotional materials and driving registration

Assistance securing Program Team Members

Learn more about Camp Invention here.
 howitworks
partnerwith
partner withnihf
nihf

• NIHF: Regional representative provides exemplary support

throughout the experience
• HOST SITE: Confirm program location and dates
• HOST SITE: Confirm program Director
• NIHF: Registration opens

Kickoff
Kick offCamp
CampPromotions
Promotions

Pricing • NIHF: First flyer is provided including $40 participant discount2

• NIHF: Ship promotional box to the Director
With our traditional parent-paid model, the district or host • NIHF: Host Director promotional orientation
• DIRECTOR: Secure Program Team Members
site provides the space needed for the in-person camp and
secures the certified local educators who serve as Program
Team Members for both in-person and at-home experiences. AMPLIFYCAMPPROMOTIONS
The program cost is covered by each participant, and there is
no added fee to host the program. • NIHF: Second flyer is provided including $30 participant discount
• PROGRAM TEAM: Spread the word about Camp Invention using
• $235 per participant1 for in-person or at-home program the provided resources including social media write-ups, newsletters
and digital ads
• $315 including Extended Day (for in-person programs only) • NIHF: Third flyer is provided including $25 participant discount
• DIRECTOR: Communicate all Program Team and host district
• Registration discounts available for Program Team Members,
employee discounts
district employees and families
1. Per-participant registration and Extended Day costs may vary to cover building use and other
district fees. PrepareforCampWeek
If parent funding is not an option, our education programs also qualify for Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV,
21st Century Community Learning Centers, Migrant Education and Early Learning Challenge funding,
as well as state and local district resource funding. • NIHF: Host Director logistics orientation
• NIHF: Schedule program materials and curricula for delivery
2. Discounts may vary.
• DIRECTOR: Confirm Program Team based on enrollment
• DIRECTOR: Summer is here! Launch your Camp Invention program!
Learn more about Camp Invention here.
Appendix
DistrictList
nationaldistrict ProvenBenefitsofCampInvention
Two decades ago, Camp Invention® began formally measuring its impact. During this
Juneau School District Indianapolis Public Schools Cincinnati Public Schools time, multiple independent evaluations have confirmed both the short- and long-term
Juneau, AK Indianapolis, IN Cincinnati, OH benefits of our Camp Invention program.
Enterprise City Schools Jefferson County Public Schools Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Enterprise, AL Louisville, KY Cleveland, OH
Fayetteville Public Schools Plymouth Public Schools Olentangy Local School District EDUCATORCHALLENGE CAMPINVENTIONSOLUTION
Fayetteville, AR Plymouth, MA Delaware, OH
Children need equitable Exposure to inventors and invention during childhood can increase the likelihood that
Scottsdale Unified School District Baltimore County Public Schools Portland Public Schools opportunities to become a child will become an innovator. The Camp Invention program provides this exposure
Scottsdale, AZ Towson, MD Portland, OR

Opportunities
successful. through our National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) Inductee integration.1
Tucson Unified School District Flint Community School District Central Dauphin School District

Equal
Patent holders are successful, earning four times the average American household
Tucson, AZ Flint, MI Harrisburg, PA income. All of the inventors introduced at Camp Invention are patent holders. 1

Los Angeles Unified School District Troy School District Puerto Rico Department of Education If girls were exposed to female inventors at the same rate as boys are to male inventors,
the gender gap in innovation would shrink by half. NIHF Inductees make up a diverse
Los Angeles, CA Troy, MI Barceloneta, PR
group of inventors who serve as career role models.1
San Jose Unified School District Rochester Public Schools Charleston County School District
San Jose, CA Rochester, MN Charleston, SC
Children need more Students have shown improvement in their ability to collaborate after participating in

Teamwork
Union School District Liberty 53 School District Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools opportunities to learn how Camp Invention.2
to collaborate — an essential
San Jose, CA Kansas City, MO Nashville, TN
skill for the 21st century.
Capistrano Unified School District Vicksburg Warren School District Allen Independent School District
San Juan Capistrano, CA Vicksburg, MS Allen, TX Camp Invention enables teachers to incorporate more entrepreneurial concepts into
Educators are looking
Denver Public Schools Missoula County Public Schools Austin Independent School District for greater support their teaching.2

Engagement
in teaching children

Teacher
Denver, CO Missoula, MT Austin, TX After leading Camp Invention, Instructors are more likely to foster risk-taking and
the skills necessary to create an atmosphere of acceptance of people and ideas.2
Cherry Creek School District No. 5 Charlotte–Mecklenburg Schools Dallas Independent School District become innovative.
Our program’s influence on Instructors’ teaching strategies can make a positive impact
Greenwood Village, CO Charlotte, NC Dallas, TX on students beyond those participating in Camp Invention.2
St. Vrain Valley School District Wake County Public School System Klein Independent School District
Longmont, CO Raleigh, NC Klein, TX Children need hands-on Just one week of Camp Invention results in significant short-term and long-term

CreativeProblem
Westport Public Schools Bridgewater–Raritan Regional School Park City School District opportunities to be creative
and build problem-solving
improvements in creativity, STEM interest, collaboration and problem solving.3
C U R R I C U L U M E XC E R P T

Solving
Westport, CT District Park City, UT Students with multiple Camp Invention experiences show higher gains in creativity,
skills, so they are prepared
Bridgewater, NJ STEM interest and problem solving than those with limited or no previous experience.3
Red Clay Consolidated School District Alexandria City Public Schools to take on the challenges of
the future. Over the long term, from one to four years after Camp Invention, there is even stronger
Wilmington, DE Cranford Public School District Alexandria, VA evidence of growth in creativity, STEM interest and problem solving.3
Cranford, NJ
Orange County Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools
Orlando, FL Newark Public Schools Ashburn, VA

IncreasedAttendance
Children need experiences Participating in Camp Invention during the summer has increased students’
Newark, NJ that support school performance and engagement the following school year.4

andTestScores
The School District of Palm Beach Orange County Public Schools performance, including their
Camp Invention contributes to better attendance, GPA and test scores — three key
County Albuquerque Public Schools Orange, VA attendance and test scores.
steps to ensuring a child takes a college path.4
West Palm Beach, FL Albuquerque, NM
Lake Washington School District Following one recent Camp Invention program, 56% of students with high-risk
Hillsborough County Public Schools Clark County School District Redmond, WA absence rates demonstrated excellent attendance, and students’ average and median
Tampa, FL Las Vegas, NV standardized test scores rose in reading and math.5
Seattle Public Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools Saratoga Springs City School District Seattle, WA 1 A. Bell, R. Chetty, X. Jaravel, N. Petkova, and J. Van 2 ChangeMaker Consulting LLC, Camp Invention 4 Summit Education Initiative, National Inventors Hall of
Suwanee, GA Saratoga Springs, NY Reenen, Who Becomes an Inventor in America? The Evaluation Executive Summary (2014). Fame Camp Invention Summer 2019 (December 2019).
Middleton–Cross Plains Area School Importance of Exposure to Innovation. Opportunity
3 J. Falk, Camp Invention Evaluation Report. Institute for 5 Summit Education Initiative, National Inventors Hall of
Insights (2017).
Gary Community School District Akron Public Schools District Learning Innovation (2018). Fame Camp Invention Summer 2018 (December 2018).

Gary, IN Akron, OH Middleton, WI

INVENT.ORG/CAMP

INVENT.ORG/CAMP

DistrictList EvaluationSummary CurriculumExcerpt

View our district partners Learn more about the proven benefits View a sample of our curriculum
across the country. of participating in Camp Invention. to see how we provide detailed
guidance for easy-to-implement
program experiences.

Learn more about Camp Invention here.

 CustomizeaSolutionFor
customize
YourDistrictToday!
TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT:
800-968-4332
NIHFatmyschool@invent.org
invent.org

The National Inventors Hall of Fame provides STEM education programs for young innovators from PreK through grade 12.
Learn more about Camp Invention here.