by Ruth Amos Co-founder, Kids Invent Stuff & Author, “The Inventors Workshop” 

As a fellow advocate for STEAM education, particularly for young girls, I am thrilled to share my story and the work we do at Kids Invent Stuff. 

My passion for invention began at a young age. At just 15, I invented the StairSteady, a stair-climbing device that has since helped countless individuals regain their independence. This experience ignited a fire within me, a desire to see more young people embrace the wonders of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). 

Unfortunately, many young girls are discouraged from pursuing careers in these fields. Societal stereotypes and a lack of early exposure can lead them to believe that STEAM is not for them. This is where Kids Invent Stuff comes in.  

We specialise in creating engaging STEAM content on YouTube which is directly inspired by the contributions of young people. We focus on engaging with young people and their parents, encouraging them to let their creative juices flow as they take on our design challenges. 

Our monthly content features a different child’s invention as we take their incredible idea and bring them to life, from engineering musicals to giant chain reaction machines. Currently we have nearly 67,000 subscribers on YouTube and more than 6 million content views with parents and children coming together to engage with our content and challenges.  

Here’s what truly excites me: 52% of our invention ideas come from girls and as well as our online presence we’ve managed to engage with over 10,000 children face-to-face over the last year!  

This is a testament to the power of providing a platform where young girls can see themselves as inventors and innovators. We believe that by showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of young minds, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and inventors. 

I believe that every child has the potential to be an inventor. By nurturing their curiosity and providing them with the right tools and encouragement, we can empower them to change the world. 

We see the impact of showcasing incredible role models to help young people see the extraordinary possibilities within STEAM. I recently released a children’s book “The Inventor’s Workshop” which celebrates inspiring individuals such as Ada Lovelace, to demonstrate anyone can be part of the innovation process. 

Together, let’s build a future where creativity and innovation know no bounds. 

Engagement top tips! 

• Use a platform children already use and are familiar with. YouTube can be great place to start as many social media channels have a minimum age limit, preventing you from reaching primary aged children. 

• Involve the parents! This is one of the most important things you can do when engaging with children. Research shows that children demonstrate a variety of achievement-related outcomes when parents are actively involved with their child’s education  

• Focus on creativity and imagination. Even the youngest minds have these skills, so harness it to show the opportunities and fun that can be had within STEAM! 

You can find out more about what we do at Kids Invent Stuff on our website, and “The Inventors Workshop” is available here.