Little Inventors Announces Sixth Year of Creative Collaboration in Michigan
Since our first challenge together in 2021, MISD and Little Inventors have brought imaginative invention challenges - paired with STEM learning and classroom engagement - to young people across Macomb County. Over the past five years, hundreds of incredible ideas have been born, nurtured and celebrated through classroom activities, digital resources and community showcases.
Introducing Wild Ideas: Forest Floors to Ocean Shores
This year’s challenge - Wild Ideas: Forest Floors to Ocean Shores - invites young inventors to look to the natural world for inspiration. Students are encouraged to invent something inspired by an animal or designed to help one. From using biomimicry (leveraging what we can learn from animal adaptations) to creating inventions that support wildlife, this challenge celebrates curiosity and compassion for the natural world.
Whether it’s shoes that help you climb like a gecko, a raincoat that mimics a duck’s feathers, or an innovation that helps frogs cross busy roads safely, Wild Ideas gets young minds thinking big - and creatively.
A Growing Tradition of Imagination and Innovation
Over the past five years, Little Inventors and MISD - in partnership with the MiSTEM Network and community makers - have delivered challenges on themes ranging from protecting oceans to renewable energy, all designed to help young people connect their creativity with real-world science, technology and problem-solving.
Past challenges like MISD Go Green: For a Better Planet saw winning ideas made real by collaborating makers, celebrated at community events hosted in schools like Romeo High School and enjoyed by hundreds of students.
Delighted to Continue the Journey
Little Inventors General Manager Craig Bright said:
We’re delighted to be entering our sixth year of partnership with MISD. Each year, we watch children’s creativity grow and expand in remarkable ways - and the enthusiasm from teachers, students and makers in Michigan continues to inspire us all. ‘Wild Ideas’ is a perfect theme to get young minds thinking about the natural world and their role within it.
Founder and Chief Inventor Dominic Wilcox added:
It’s been incredible to see how these challenges have evolved. Year after year, we’ve seen young inventors in Michigan rise to the occasion with ideas that are bold, thoughtful and full of heart. This year’s challenge builds on that tradition - and I can’t wait to see the inventions that come from it.
Get Involved
The Wild Ideas: Forest Floors to Ocean Shores challenge is now open for submissions, and teachers and families across Macomb County are invited to take part. Full challenge resources - including activity packs, lesson plans and inspirational guides - are available for free to support creative exploration.
We look forward to another year of remarkable inventions, joyful classrooms and community celebration as young people in Michigan continue to imagine the future - one great idea at a time.