Spark the Next
Great Idea
Innovation. Invention. Entrepreneurship.
Powered by Perspective.
Innovation Learning
We believe anyone can innovate. By creating opportunities to practice the Actions of Innovation and Habits of an Innovator, the next great idea can come from anywhere. Powered by our Model I Innovation Learning Framework, authentic objects and real-life stories provide inspiration, knowledge and skill-building in firsthand experiences, digital media and interdisciplinary learning resources.
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Accelerating an Innovative Mindset
Model I
Unleash the potential to innovate with a unique learning framework based on stories and artifacts from The Henry Ford Archive of American Innovation.
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Enhancing Core Discipline Performance
Innovate Curriculum
With Innovate, middle school students will learn to think and act like an innovator — and help to shape a better future. Inspire your students that the next world-changing idea can be their own.
Competitions & Events
When learners converge to compete and cross-pollinate, everyone wins. Better still, the boldest among them inspire by example.
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Recognizing America's Most Innovative Teachers
Teacher Innovator Awards
The Henry Ford recognizes teachers who demonstrate ingenuity and resourcefulness, who approach teaching and learning creatively, and who are using the classroom to build 21st century skills.
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How can we empower the next generation to learn from failure, stay curious, and challenge the rules?
Michigan Invention Convention
The Michigan Invention Convention (MIIC) provides students in grades 3-12 an interactive and interdisciplinary opportunity to use the invention process to create and pitch an original product at a state-wide convention.
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Invention and Entrepreneurial Learning
National Invention Convention
State-level convention winners come together to showcase and pitch their original product ideas at a national-level competition. Each student is representative of the thousands of young innovators who participated in core invention and entrepreneurial learning in their home state.
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An Opportunity to Learn More
Educator Open House
The Henry Ford offers a periodic Educator Open House to introduce teachers to the wide array of experiences, educational tools, and professional development opportunities available.
Curriculum-Aligned
Field Trips & Programs
Transform your lesson plans with relevant learning-by-doing experiences that empower learners to realize their potential to help shape a better future. Whether you are a professional educator, parent or scout leader, you’ll give tomorrow’s dreamers and doers, creators and makers a chance to make lasting personal connections with lively stories, big ideas and 21st-century learning skills.
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Just Add Experience
Field Trips
Immerse your learners in the stories of real people who changed the world, and help them find the path to their own brightest future. With 250 acres of objects and experiences to awaken awe and curiosity, The Henry Ford has everything you need to plan an unforgettable field trip tailored to your curriculum.
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Where Sparks Shine Brightest
Camps & Activities
The Henry Ford will keep your curious learner motivated and engaged with experiences geared to building problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in young people of all ages.
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Inspiration & Fun
Scouts & Youth Groups
The Henry Ford offers programs to inspire a generation of girls and boys who are bold, informed, and confident enough to change the world around them.
Educational Resources
Discover our deep database of curriculum-aligned resources for bringing that breathtaking “aha moment” to your students. Lesson plans, activities, worksheets–even scavenger hunts–all tied to specific learning objectives (and fun, too!).
Learning at The Henry Ford
Learning inspires us — and lives at the core of our mission. Innovation inspires us, too. We look for every opportunity to bring the two together, both inside and outside the classroom. Find out about professional development programs for educators as well as the many ways we work to further learning in our community and others.
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Interactive Teaching & Learning
Professional Development
The Henry Ford is committed to developing fresh approaches and comprehensive resources to support teachers at every level in pursuit of their professional best.
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Unique. Engaging. Effective.
Henry Ford Academy
A unique college prep experience on the campus of The Henry Ford surrounded by Ford Motor Company, the Henry Ford Academy is the first charter school of its kind.
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Education Inside & Out
Henry Ford Learning Institute
With its commitment to lifelong learning, HFLI extends learning beyond the classroom to create a community of curious, innovative learners.
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Youth Mentorship Program
Community Commitment
The Henry Ford works with a local school district to offer local teens meaningful experiences, skill development, and good role models so they can be the leaders of tomorrow.