Teaching STEMIE Through First Principles: A Lesson in Problem-Solving

Let’s explore the first principle of teaching the invention process within the context of STEMIE education.

While working with a group of kindergarteners (ages 5–6), I was struck by how much children mirror the emotions and frustrations they observe at home. One child shared, “My mom always sighs and says she’s too tired to do household chores, so I want to invent a robot to help her cook, clean, and do everything for her.”

At first, this seemed like a thoughtful, creative solution—a child empathizing with their parent and using invention to solve a real-world problem. But as I reflected, I realized there was a deeper issue. The idea of a robot doing everything raised a fundamental question: If the robot does everything, what role do humans play?

This led to a profound teaching moment about first principles in STEMIE education. Are we unintentionally encouraging children to create systems that remove responsibility rather than empowering people to share and manage it?

So, I asked the group: What’s the real problem here? Is it about responsibility, discipline, or the balance of work and home life? Or does it reveal a larger challenge—adults being so overwhelmed that daily tasks feel like insurmountable chores?

In STEMIE, teaching the invention process is more than fostering creativity. It’s about helping children uncover the root of a problem—the “why” behind it—and challenging assumptions. When children are guided to think critically and empathetically, their inventions go beyond solving surface-level issues. They begin to create solutions that address the heart of the matter and spark real change.

The lesson is clear: The power of STEMIE lies not just in creating innovative ideas but in shaping young minds to ask better questions, solve deeper problems, and create a better future.

Ready to Inspire Young Innovators?

Let’s work together to bring STEMIE principles into classrooms and beyond. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or leader, you can spark curiosity and empower children to become problem-solvers of tomorrow. Start by asking: What’s the real problem we’re trying to solve? Together, we can transform the way we teach invention and shape the next generation of innovators.