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Encouraging Innovative Thinking

A Toolkit for Developing Innovators

Tricia Edwards shares practical tips for creating innovative learning environments

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Natalia Febo

Even in her time away from the Smithsonian, this Lead Facilitator is a master maker.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Jocelyn Knauf

Although she doesn’t describe herself as ‘an inventor,’ Spark!Lab’s Floor Manager espouses the exhibit’s innovative spirit — in visitors’ lives and her own.

Spark!Lab

A Spark!Lab for Grownups

Recently, I got to visit TechShop in nearby Arlington, VA. What I realized following our visit is that TechShop is basically the grownup version of Spark!Lab.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Tim Pula

Infusing his projects with a passion for the invention process, Spark!Lab’s Interpretive Exhibit Coordinator develops clever and practical solutions.

Spark!Lab Network

Spark!Lab + Detroit = Innovation

We opened our fifth Spark!Lab National Network location at the Michigan Science Center

Spark!Lab

The Great Connector Quest

With its high-volume visitation, Spark!Lab is always on the lookout for durable materials that complete our activities. Sometimes though, we have to invent them ourselves.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Laurel Miller

Spark!Lab’s Interpretive Exhibits Manager is all about cultivating innovation and creativity.

Spark!Lab

As 2015 draws to a close, year-in-review lists flood the news. We read about the year’s most notable people, best books, biggest stories (and scandals), and even the coolest inventions. As I do my own reflecting on the year that’s passed, Spark!Lab features prominently.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

Curiosity and Invention

Do you consider yourself curious?

Spark!Lab

Why Do It?

Why do I love my job? I do it so that visitors, regardless of their path, can develop skills that drive them to be successful in their lives.

Spark!Lab

Roll Out the Old . . . Bring in the Sound!

As we ready Spark!Lab for its next theme, Things that Make Sound, I interviewed Interpretive Exhibits Coordinator Tim Pula about the process of developing new activities.

Spark!Lab

Reinventing the Shopping Cart

The first shopping cart was patented in 1940 and was reinvented in 1946. We are challenging our young inventors in Spark!Lab to update it for the 21st century.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

Invention at Play Educators' Manual

An activity guide to help students learn to foster creativity through play.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

Invention at Play Family Guide

Open-ended play and inventing activities for adults and children to do together!

Spark!Lab

Full Color Sound

Can you hear color?

Spark!Lab Network

Lemelson Center Joins the Spark!Lab National Network

Draper Spark!Lab is now open for business at the National Museum of American History!

Spark!Lab

National Week of Making in Draper Spark!Lab

As part of the National Week of Making, we gave a few visitors a sneak peek of Spark!Lab.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

Teaching Science with a Wizard’s Touch

In the early 1950s, Don Herbert (1917-2007) created Watch Mr. Wizard (1951–1965), an educational children’s television program devoted to science and technology. We think he'd feel right at home in Spark!Lab.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

Stand Up for Innovation!

While perhaps not for everyone, I certainly feel more alert, efficient, and innovative since adopting a standing desk.