About the Innovation Center
The Federal Circuit Center for Innovation & Law offers field trips for middle and high school students. During their visit, students engage in dynamic, standards-aligned learning experiences that highlight the connections between law, history, science, and technology. Located just steps from the White House, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit hears many of the nation's high-tech cases, with a unique focus on patents, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property.
The courthouse itself includes several historic houses that once served as the homes or headquarters of
Dolley Madison,
NASA, the
National Woman's Party, and the
Cosmos Club. By exploring these spaces, students will learn about the men and women who lived and worked here and the innovative ways in which they shaped our country.
Each visit encourages students to ask big questions, explore bold ideas, and see themselves as active participants in history and innovation.
Innovation Center Classroom
Each visit begins in the Innovation Center Classroom, where students engage with five touchscreens featuring activities that spark curiosity and set the stage for the day. Near the end of the visit, they return for a fast-paced round of Jeopardy to test what they’ve learned.
Suffragist Hall
The story of the suffrage movement comes alive in the very place where history unfolded. Once the headquarters of the National Woman’s Party, this space blends interactive displays with authentic artifacts to show how suffragists organized marches, stood as Silent Sentinels, and demanded the vote.
Innovation Corridor
Innovation Corridor showcases dynamic touchscreen experiences on six themes tied to the courthouse and its history, including the Evolution of Flight, Invention, Social Innovation, and the Federal Circuit. Students discover how various innovations shaped daily life in the past and continue to influence the world around them today.
For More Information
Want to learn more before scheduling your visit? Explore our
Learning Experiences to see what we offer. For directions, security procedures, and tips to help you prepare, check out our
Visitor Information. When you're ready, use the button below to schedule your tour.
