Ms. Ryan, assistant director at The Goddard School® of Chicago (South Loop) started a School-wide initiative that kicked off last year during Black History Month called the African American Inventors Project. This project focuses on celebrating African American inventors and their contributions throughout history, engaging students through research, art and collaborative learning.
“Growing up, my exposure to African American history was limited, and it wasn’t until I was much older that I truly understood the extraordinary contributions of Black inventors, scientists and visionaries,” said Ms. Ryan. “In early childhood education, Black history is often introduced at the discretion of the teacher rather than being an integral part of the curriculum.”
That realization sparked something inside of her.
“I wanted young children, regardless of their background, to experience history not as something distant or abstract, but as something alive, relevant and deeply impactful. The African American Inventors Project brings these incredible stories to life in a way that is engaging, hands-on and filled with inspiration,” she said.
Ms. Ryan notes that this is more than just a project; it’s a celebration of ingenuity, a bridge between history and the future and a way to inspire young minds with the knowledge that innovation has no limits.
“My goal is for children to see themselves in these stories, to recognize their own potential and to feel empowered to create, dream and invent.”
This year, Ms. Ryan is working hard to expand the reach of this project. One of her main focuses is ensuring that the learning is interactive. She says that when children can actively participate in their education — by recreating historical inventions, experimenting with ideas and building alongside their teachers and classmates — the impact is immeasurable.
“I want to cultivate a sense of wonder, creativity and confidence that will stay with them for years to come,” said Ms. Ryan.
She says that a project like this does more than educate, it ignites curiosity, builds confidence and nurtures a sense of possibility. It allows every child, no matter their background, to see themselves in history, to believe in their own potential and to recognize that they, too, can be inventors, creators and changemakers.
“My greatest hope is that this project plants a seed — one that grows into a lifelong appreciation for history, innovation and the boundless potential within each of us.”
Watch the videos linked below to see the results of this year's and last year's African American Inventors Project!
