What is Model i?

Discover a Unique Learning Framework

Over 90 years of curating stories of American ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. A decade focused on innovation learning. That’s the expertise we bring to Model i.

Innovation Powered by Perspective

With Model i, we have set out to develop and share a universal language for teaching and learning about innovation at every stage of the talent pipeline. To create Model i, we mined the artifacts and stories in our Archive of American Innovation® and those of leaders in business and society today. This fresh approach to learning draws on insights into the way people have innovated across 300 years of American history through the present.

A Closer Look

Model i brings together two learning frames: Actions of Innovation and Habits of an Innovator. We use them to plot Innovation Journeys within our collection—and to inspire learners’ own journeys.

Actions of Innovation

Innovation is messy and there’s no one formula, but when we set out to pursue a new idea or solve a new problem, we can learn and act in ways that increase our chances of success. For would-be innovators, this set of guideposts helps to point the way forward.

Habits of an Innovator

Some ways of seeing, thinking and interacting turn out to be especially useful for getting inspired and staying motivated to explore new ideas and overcome challenges. Better still, individuals can develop their own innovative mindset further.

Innovation Journeys

On paper, innovation is a step-by-step process. In reality, it rarely happens that way. No matter what, we make the best progress when our habits and actions work together. Good habits can unlock the potential that every action creates. Right actions bring purpose and focus to the habits we have.

Lean into Learning

We support educators by meeting a critical need for teaching and learning innovation essentials you can apply in classrooms for grades PreK-12.

Language Arts

Social Studies

STEM

Amanda Laidlaw, MI
"I like this course so much that I have already used part of the actions and habits framework to guide my thinking for planning out a "unit" of PD for my teachers.""

Teresa Lampe, MS
"I fell down the rabbit hole!  I found so many resources that I can use for activities.  My students will not likely be able to visit The Henry Ford in the near future; however, they can still experience and learn from the collections."

Shannon Garrison, CA
"You provided us with an amazing professional development that was engaging, new and innovative...I think that's going to help me be a better person, but also a better educator."

Amanda Laidlaw, MI
I like this course so much that I have already used part of the actions and habits framework to guide my thinking for planning out a "unit" of PD for my teachers."

Shannon Garrison, CA
You provided us with an amazing professional development that was engaging, new and innovative...I think that's going to help me be a better person, but also a better educator.

Teresa Lampe, MS
I fell down the rabbit hole!  I found so many resources that I can use for activities.  My students will not likely be able to visit The Henry Ford in the near future; however, they can still experience and learn from the collections.

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Discover a Unique Learning Framework

Innovation Powered by Perspective