Good morning, library world!
The Henry Ford museum hosts a very cool STEM program for kids K-12 called the Invention Convention. Think really big science fairs. They're hosting a couple of free training events that seem like they could be useful for anyone doing children's programming.
The email below explains it better, but I thought this opportunity was worth passing along in case anyone else would like to attend. I got to attend a couple of their events last year and they were a blast, with kids from all over showing off things they invented.
Happy making!
Chris Land
Technology Training Associate, Detroit Public Library
Franklin Branch Library
13651 E McNichols
Detroit, MI 48205
main 313-481-1742
cland@detroitpubliclibrary.org
We love the library, we love Detroit, we love what we do!
From: Andaiye Spencer <AndaiyeS@thehenryford.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 21:23
Subject: Free Invention Convention Educator Training Workshop Professional Development Opportunity at The Henry Ford
CAUTION: This email originated from outside
of Detroit Public Library. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello Educators,
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If you have already signed up for this event, I am so excited to see you later this month!
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If you haven't registered yet, please register!
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If you know of people who might like to learn how to implement this program with their young people, please share this with them!
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If you can't make the dates, but still want to be trained or learn more, please contact me and we can set something up!
Enough with the exclamations, here are the details:
I'd like to invite you and your educator-friends to join us this October at The Henry Ford for a free professional learning experience focused on invention education, innovation, and project-based learning. Participants will
discover how Invention Convention Michigan can support existing STEM programs and provide a flexible framework for expanding hands-on learning opportunities.
Invention Convention is a K-12 invention education program that teaches students problem-identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills, and builds confidence in invention, innovation and entrepreneurship
for life. The program encourages young inventors to explore ideas based on their own life experiences, empowers them to develop real inventions and market-worthy business innovations, and exposes them to real-world audiences, including noted innovators and
business leaders.
For more information on Invention Convention:
Professional Development Opportunity
Invention Convention Michigan Educator Training Workshop
Location: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn, MI
Dates (choose one):
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Perfect for educators, volunteers, club leaders, curriculum coordinators, out-of-school-time instructors, and community facilitators.
Participants need only to attend one session and may earn up to 3 SCECHs upon completion.
During this hands-on workshop, participants will explore practical strategies for integrating invention education into 4-H clubs, classrooms, after-school programs, camps, fairs, and other youth-learning environments. Attendees will experience the invention
process firsthand while learning how to engage youth in identifying community needs, developing creative solutions, building prototypes, and communicating their ideas with confidence. The workshop is designed to help educators, volunteers, and youth leaders
create engaging, real-world learning experiences that spark curiosity, foster problem-solving, and support career exploration.
Register for the Training Workshop HERE
If you are unable to attend the October workshop at The Henry Ford, I would be happy to visit your district for a brief introductory meeting or provide a complimentary professional learning session for educators and administrators. Please feel free to reply
or use the link below my signature if you would like to book time with me.
I'd like to close by letting our students and educators tell the story of Invention Convention Michigan in their own words through this (short)
2026 End-of-Year Impact Video.
Feel Free to pass this on to anyone you think may benefit from the training.
Hope to hear from you soon!