iOi in Your Classroom
Hands-on STEAM activities that help every child imagine, experiment and create
Designed for all teachers, not just STEAM specialists
We offer a wide range of learning experiences, from quick classroom activities to deeper creative projects. They are built to be flexible, accessible and easy to facilitate. You do not need technical expertise, specialist training or expensive resources to get started.
Learn about our approach
Try free activities today
Why imagination matters
In a rapidly changing world, children need more than knowledge alone. They need the confidence to explore ideas, adapt, solve problems creatively and think differently.
At the Institute of Imagination (iOi), we help children develop these skills through hands-on STEAM learning that combines science, technology, engineering and maths with creativity, design and play.
Our activities focus on two key outcomes:
Building creativity through inspiring learning across arts, sciences and digital technologies
Sparking aspiration by helping children explore future skills, ideas and possibilities
Try these activities with your classroom
Our activities are designed to fit different schedules, confidence levels and classroom settings. Choose from quick, low-prep activities or more in-depth projects that encourage deeper exploration and experimentation.
Why teachers use iOi activities
Our activities help students:
Think creatively and solve problems
Build confidence through experimentation
Work collaboratively
Connect STEAM learning to real-world challenges
Stay engaged through hands-on making and play
Students are encouraged to test ideas, make mistakes, reflect and try again, helping them develop resilience alongside technical and creative skills.
What Teachers Say
"One of my students used to throw his work in the bin or punch a wall — but without a fixed goal to fail against, he was able to engage fully."
“I was nervous about doing the activities myself, but now I’ve learned how and developed skills, I can use it with my class.”
“Giving my students the independence and freedom to experiment has made them more engaged - even if the outcome wasn’t perfect, the learning was”
How our activities support learning
Learn more about our work
We believe imagination is the superpower of the 21st century. Through creative STEAM learning and hands-on tinkering, we inspire young people to explore ideas, solve problems, and think differently. We also work beyond the classroom to help educators and organisations embed imaginative approaches into learning, ensuring more children can develop the skills and mindsets needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Listen to iOi Executive Director, Tom Doust, on the Well Schools Podcast. In this episode, Tom discusses the power of imagination, and how things such as play and creativity fuels productivity.
Listen here.
Learn more about iOi’s work here.
Learn how, since adopting iOi’s programme in their learning, St Joseph’s Primary School boosted student engagement, teacher confidence, and pupils’ problem-solving and innovation skills.
Read here.
Constructionism
Learning by making. Children learn best when they actively create, build and test ideas themselves. Making tangible things helps deepen understanding and encourages ownership of learning and collaboration.
Learning Through Play
Playful experiences encourage curiosity, experimentation and deeper engagement while helping children develop creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.
Habits of Mind
Students build habits like persistence, reflection, flexibility and problem-solving, helping them become more confident and independent learners.
Embodied Cognition
Using movement, materials and physical interaction helps children better understand and remember ideas.
Tinkering
There is no single "right answer". Students learn through open-ended experimentations. By trying, adapting, testing and discovering new posibilities.