Young Inventors Program (YIP)

Page title: Young Inventors Program

Graphic: boy shooting rocket

The "What If" Young Inventors Program involves approximately 7,000 young inventors in the Twin Cities metro area each year.

Invention and science go hand-in-hand with creativity and education. Inventing is a vehicle for students to express creativity, learn academic skills, and build positive self-images. Students learn about invention through a curriculum that emphasizes the creative process, scientific inquiry skills, and problem solving.

Program support to both students and educators also involves workshops for educators on teaching invention, an invention curriculum, and student recognition at the annual regional Young Inventors Fair and other exhibits.

In addition to curricular resources, Young Inventors Program activities include invention workshops for teachers, opportunity for family and community involvement, and student recognition through invention displays at local, regional and state levels.

The annual Young Inventors Fair celebrates the special accomplishments of 100 young inventors in grades 4 through 9 with the opportunity to display their inventions to the public at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. The Fair is made possible through the community spirit of many collaborating businesses, professional organizations, families, educators and volunteers from all corners of the Twin Cities.

Photo: Scooter backpack invention