The 6th grade science students recently turned back the clock—and turned up the creativity—with their first-ever Living Museum of Inventions! After weeks of researching, designing, and preparing, Mrs. Nicole Schatzle’s students stepped into the shoes of famous inventors and innovators, showcasing how a single invention can change the world—for better or worse.

From light bulbs to laptops, and printing presses to pacemakers, students selected a wide range of inventions and traced their evolution over time, studying both the history and societal impact of each creation. They examined not only the scientific and technological advancements these inventions brought but also the social, economic, and environmental effects—positive and negative.

"But the real magic happened when the students became the inventors themselves," said Mrs. Schatzle. "Dressed in character, they transformed their classroom into a living museum, bringing history to life as parents, teachers, and classmates walked through and engaged with the 'inventors' directly. Visitors interact with Thomas Edison, Tim Berners-Lee, Marie Curie, and more—all brought to life by our talented 6th graders."

This interdisciplinary project combined science, history, public speaking, and creativity, encouraging students to think critically about how innovation shapes society. It helped students build important research and communication skills, while also reinforcing the idea that one idea can spark lasting change.

"Understanding the innovation process is essential for future scientists, engineers, designers, and leaders," Mrs. Schatzle explained. "By studying past inventions, students begin to see themselves as future problem-solvers—capable of imagining and creating the next big breakthrough. Activities like the Living Museum remind us that learning can—and should—be fun. By dressing up, role-playing, and sharing what they’ve learned in a creative format, students were more engaged, confident, and excited about what they discovered."

Through this project, JPII students didn’t just study history—they invented an unforgettable experience, proving once again that the best way to learn is to live it!