Maker-Centered Learning: Empowering Young Innovators with Edward P. Clapp, Ed.D

Raising Innovators

Curiosity isn’t just cute—it’s a spark. When nurtured with the right tools and mindset, it becomes the foundation of innovation.

In this episode of Raising Innovators, Edward P. Clapp, Ed.D. shares how maker-centered learning transforms young children into confident creators.

At the heart of this approach is a bold idea: Children shouldn’t just learn about the world—they should shape it.

The agency extends beyond the classroom. Edward emphasizes the power of community, empowering teachers through collaboration and equipping parents to bring this thinking home.

Tune in now to reimagine early learning—not as preparation for the future but as the place where innovation begins.

▶️ Maker-Centered Learning: Empowering Young Innovators

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Dr. Edward Clapp

Founder and CEO of the Next World Learning Lab

What I Do: I spark creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning—helping educators, organizations, and changemakers design better futures.

Why It Matters: Because the world needs bold thinkers, makers, and doers who are ready to shape what’s next. Edward is a Principal Investigator at Project Zero (a research center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education) and the Founder & CEO of the Next World Learning Lab, a global learning and development organization dedicated to lifelong learning, worldmaking, and innovation. His work explores creativity, design, maker-centered learning, and new approaches to education and equity. Some of Edward’s recent books include The Participatory Creativity Guide for Educators; The Maker-Centered Learning Playbook for Early Childhood Education; Envisioning Innovation in Education—Hong Kong; Participatory Creativity; and Maker-Centered Learning. Beyond Work: When I’m not worldmaking with others, you can find me futzing with unfinished home improvement projects, trying (and often failing) to grow vegetables in my backyard, woodworking in my garage, or visiting the beach year-round with my wife and two kids

Website: https://pz.harvard.edu/who-we-are/people/edward-clapp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edward.p.clapp/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-clapp-02b31a1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardclapp/ X: https://x.com/EdwardPClapp?lang=en

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Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

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Marnie Zettler is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie_forestieri/

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