Creativity as the foundation of genius: what NASA reveals about our children’s potential

I have always been aware of how much a shift in perception and looking at things from a different angle can lead to finding an endless number of new solutions that lie in unexpected places, through a combination of things we already know. Through my work as an educator, I have run creative thinking workshops. What I found interesting is that creative thinking is encouraged in the biggest companies like Google, IBM, Apple and others. And what I watched in children for years – boundless imagination and creativity – is precisely what scientists have now confirmed as the key to genius.

NASA’s discovery

NASA, an organisation known for sending people into space, carried out a fascinating study on human creativity. The results were, to put it mildly, surprising:

• 98% of five-year-old children showed a “genius” level of creativity
• This percentage drops to just 12% among fifteen-year-olds
• Among adults, only 2% retain this level of creativity

Reading these figures, I asked myself how many times I had seen my sister’s or my friends’ children use their toys in the strangest ways and make something out of something else so spontaneously and easily, through play.

Busting the myth of innate creativity

There is a common myth that creativity is an elusive, innate talent. In reality, research tells a different story. Many people want to be more creative, and creativity is in fact a skill that can be developed from early childhood.

We know that – compared with traits such as IQ, personality and political orientation – creativity is relatively low in heritability. The environment has an enormous influence on creativity, and parents and carers can play a key role in shaping creative thinking in the early years.

Children have boundless creative potential. They are curious, playful, imaginative and open to new experiences. In fact, this study shows that children are better creative problem-solvers than adults, because small children tend to imagine and explore more possibilities, which often leads to more creative solutions.

Why do I find this research so interesting?

NASA didn’t look for creativity for no reason. They realised that the most creative minds are capable of solving the most complex problems – whether that means sending people to Mars or tackling climate change on Earth. In contemporary education and everyday jargon, we attribute creativity only to writers, painters, musicians and the like, when in fact it is hugely important for every profession and for everyday situations in life. It is like a magic wand for finding solutions to challenges.

Creativity = Genius

Watching children, we can see countless examples that confirm NASA’s discovery:

1. Problem-solving: Little Marko worked out how to feed the cat while his parents were on holiday, using a system of pulleys and a timer. Creativity in action!
2. Innovative thinking: Aida made an “automatic room cleaner” out of a broom, some string and her toys. It may not have worked perfectly, but the idea was genius!
3. Flexibility of mind: When Davud’s favourite drawing was accidentally torn, he turned it into a collage, creating something even more beautiful.

How can we preserve our children’s genius?

NASA’s research reminded us of something we always knew but somehow forgot – all children are born geniuses. The question is, how do we preserve that spark? Here are a few tips based on the acronym CREATE:

1. C – Child-Directed: Let children take the lead during play, exploring themes or engaging in activities they choose. Child-directed learning environments motivate children to learn because the topic is of genuine interest, not because they expect some reward at the end.
2. R – Risk-Friendly: Encourage children to take risks by setting age-appropriate challenges or introducing a new activity they might hesitate to try. Learning how to assess and manage risk from an early age is linked to increased confidence and creativity.
3. E – Exploratory: Set up activities where children can experiment and take things apart. During these kinds of exploratory play experiences, children will discover more about how things work and be inspired to come up with new ideas.
4. A – Active: Through fun, active physical movement and exercise, children not only strengthen their bodies, but also improve their learning and boost their creativity.
5. T – Time for Imagination: Time for imagination and pretend play allows children to come up with original ideas and bring them to life, as well as to practise self-regulation and empathy, and to build creativity.
6. E – Exchange of Ideas: With any kind of play experience, it is important to include opportunities for conversation. When children can engage in an exchange of ideas through talk and collaboration, it often leads to the most creative and innovative outcomes.

Conclusion: Let’s nurture genius through creativity

NASA’s research opened our eyes – genius is not something only a lucky few are born with. It is a potential that all children carry within them, hidden in their creativity.

Every time I see a child drawing, building or inventing, I don’t just see play. I see a future scientist who will solve the mysteries of the universe, an artist who will inspire millions, or an innovator who will change the way we live.

As Albert Einstein said: “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” NASA has shown us that this imagination, this creativity, is the key to genius.

Let’s nurture that spark in our children. Let’s give them the tools, the space and the freedom to explore, create and dream. Because who knows – perhaps the solution to some of our world’s greatest challenges lies in their hands.

And if along the way they make a mess in the living room or invent a language only they understand? Well, that’s a small price to pay for nurturing the geniuses of the future.