News Archive

A young inventor’s life is filled with many firsts: learning to walk, trying a handstand, going down the big slide on the playground. As parents and educators in charge of the growth of these children, we celebrate these successes. They are great moments, and if you were to ask anyone with a child born after the year 2009 (when the iPhone 3GS came out), they probably have a video recording on their phone of many of those “firsts.”

“What’s your problem?” It’s a bold question that sparks big ideas and even bigger solutions. For 25 years, this tagline has been at the heart of the Gates Invention and Innovation Program, guiding students as they turn challenges into groundbreaking inventions. Through this process, students develop innovative products, culminating in the annual Gates Invention and Innovation Expo, where creativity takes center stage.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Gates Innovation and Invention Program, we caught up with two of its thriving alumni—Matthew Crowley ’05 and . Both have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, each crediting the Gates program with helping to spark their passion for innovation and design. From entrepreneurial ventures to cutting-edge product development at Apple, their journeys reflect the transformative power of creativity, curiosity, and perseverance.

Giving birth to a new idea is difficult. Spawned from the depths of a young inventor’s imagination, a new idea is fragile, uncertain, and vulnerable to the peril of death by rejection: the natural demise of an idea that isn’t actually new, nor feasible. For an inventor in the Gates Invention and Innovation Program, this precarious condition is heightened through the crucible of a “green-light meeting.” 

At Graland Country Day School, we are committed to fostering a culture of creativity and curiosity that extends well beyond the traditional classroom. Through our dynamic innovation program, we ignite students’ passions, cultivate problem-solving skills, and instill a sense of purpose in their learning journey. This commitment to innovation is not confined to school hours but permeates our entire school community—engaging students, families, and even the larger community in hands-on, imaginative exploration. From collaborative design challenges to interactive family events, Graland’s innovation initiatives encourage every learner to think boldly, take creative risks, and apply their ideas to real-world problems.

It is hard to believe that only five years ago, we were celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Charles C. Gates Invention and Innovation Program. At the time, it felt like such an incredible accomplishment. Mr. Gates’ ambitious vision to inspire Graland Middle School students to become inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators through a dedicated program was ahead of its time.

Sixth graders in Mr. Aaron Murray’s science class recently had the exciting opportunity to explore the energy stored in food through a calorimetry lab. With goggles on and alcohol burners in hand, students burned a variety of snack items, including chips, crackers, and more, to better understand how food contains and releases energy.

This month, third graders headed to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with Ms. Elise de Geus and their classroom teachers as part of their Mars Rover and space exploration unit.

Graland eighth graders are gearing up for their class trip to the American South in early February, where they will explore key Civil Rights Movement sites. In preparation, students in Mrs. Katy Cooper's English class have been studying a series of impactful texts by James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jr., and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Grade 1 students kicked off their neighborhood unit this month by exploring two key questions: "What makes a neighborhood?" and "How are people's needs and wants met in a neighborhood?" In class, students shared what they already knew and what they were curious to learn more about.

Each year, Graland seventh graders participate in a meaningful service learning unit focused on building intergenerational connections. As part of this initiative, students partner with A Little Help, an organization that connects volunteers with senior citizens to help them thrive and age well in their homes.

Watch this video to hear from Lower School Science Teacher Sarah Jackson about Grade 1's innovative Biomimicry Invention Expo! Discover how students were inspired by nature to create their own inventions.

Watch this video and check out the cool creations from the Grades 7/8 ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Expression) Showcase this December!