b'The invention process is inherently creative, and many of its steps mirror artistic practicesnaturally aligning with art education. When students sketch their ideas, explore materials, build models and prototypes or tell the story of their invention, theyre engaging in artistic thinking. Art education teaches studentstoobserve,reflect,experimentandexpressskillsthatareessentialwhendeveloping innovative solutions. Invention education, likewise, gives purpose and context to artistic skills, showing students just how much creativity influences the real world and everyday life.The two disciplines complement each other beautifully: art brings imagination, empathy and visual thinkingtotheinventionprocess,whileinventioneducationprovidesatangible,appliedoutletfor creative exploration. Together, they empower students to think boldly, design with intention and create with meaning.Art educators are powerful invention educators, because they already know how to guide students in turning imagination into something you can see, touch, and share, Lawlor-King said.Inventioneducationisntjustaboutbuilding thingsitsaboutbuildingconfidence, curiosity and the belief that every student has the power to make the world a better place. Andwhenstudentsstepintothatmindset, supportedbycreativity,real-worldproblem-solving skills and art educators, extraordinary things can happen!Visittx.ag/ICTexasformoreinformationor email ICTexas@tamu.edu with questions.WriterandPhotographer:Spark!PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach, Texas A&M Engineering Workforce Developmenttx.ag/SPARKlinkTree'