Unlocking the Crystal of Innovation: Showing Iowa's Fourth Graders the Future of Manufacturing

In classrooms across Iowa, students as young as fourth grade are going on a quest. Through Innovators Quest: The Quest for the Crystal of Innovation, students participate in a series of hands-on challenges, working together to recover the “Crystal of Innovation.” Along the way, they discover their individual strengths and practice teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

The Manufacturing Institute developed this gamified program to give students an age-appropriate look at today’s high-tech manufacturing. Through activities involving robotics, electromechanical technology, prototyping and design, students get a glimpse of the technology and careers shaping the industry.

Why go into the classroom, and why now?

Today’s fourth graders will graduate around 2035. By then, manufacturers expect to need 3.8 million workers nationwide, and nearly half of those jobs could go unfilled. Iowa manufacturers already feel that skills gap. If we wait until high school to talk about careers, we wait too long.

Modern manufacturing is innovative and technology-driven, yet many students are unaware of the wide array of opportunities available. Innovators Quest introduces those possibilities while students are still curious and beginning to imagine their futures.

We’re working with Iowa manufacturers to bring the program to more schools and communities.

How you can get involved

• Manufacturers: Partner with ABI and your local school to bring this activity to students.

• Educators: Bring Innovators Quest to your students and connect with area employers.

• Community partners and sponsors: Help us reach more students in every corner of the state.

Together, we can introduce Iowa students to the people, technology and possibilities behind modern manufacturing — and inspire the workforce of tomorrow.

Visit iowaabi.org/elevate-iowa or email abi@iowaabi.org to join the quest. ABI