Back to school: Fostering curiosity and IP awareness

With pupils across Europe heading back to the classroom, this is a timely reminder of the recent launch of Inventions for Impact, a free e-learning programme developed by the European Patent Office (EPO).

Designed for students aged 7 to 17, the programme encourages young learners to explore inventions, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while familiarising them with the basics of intellectual property. It has been developed with the support of European schools and provides ready-to-use resources that complement existing curricula and bring the world of invention to life.

The Inventions for Impact learning programme fosters creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. Its ten online, self-paced courses include interactive exercises for classroom use. Through real-world examples, students learn how ideas can be transformed into solutions that benefit society and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Two courses are already available in the e-learning centre: 

• Curiosity and inventions, developed for children aged 9–10 
  The course uses superhero characters to guide students through four missions. These missions explore the importance of asking questions, highlight pioneering inventors and everyday heroes, and emphasise the role of perseverance in success.  
• Inventions through history, developed for children aged 10–11 
  This module explores key milestones in the history of invention. It demonstrates how breakthroughs in transportation, energy, manufacturing and communication – from writing and printing to the telegraph and the internet – have transformed society and shaped the modern world. 

As the new school term begins, it’s a great opportunity to share these courses with those who can benefit from them. Help spread the word.