Entry Date:
September 7, 2023

Light Up Kicks: Engaging Youth in Shoe Design Using Culturally Sustainable Pedagogy

Principal Investigators Michael Cima , Cristina Sáenz

Associated Departments, Labs & Centers


Lemelson-MIT researchers plan to create an inventive curriculum for elementary students between 9 and 11 years old, centered on building a prototype shoe with lights. The curriculum addresses waning interest in STEM among young learners, focusing on diversity and multiculturalism to engage students from different backgrounds in the innovation process. Ultimately, this curriculum aims to boost diversity in the innovation ecosystem.