Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

Nov. 29, 2021, 3:14 p.m.

Quirky ‘Museum of Failure’ celebrates creativity and innovation

Summary

Sam West, a psychologist who studies corporate behavior, believes fear of failure is a big obstacle to innovation. He launched an exhibit in Sweden in 2017 showcasing botched products and ideas to celebrate the role failure plays in innovation and progress. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent Megan Thompson recently visited The Museum of Failure, which is now on tour in the United States.

Five Facts

  • What is the "Museum of Failure"?
  • Who founded the museum and why?
  • How is failure a normal part of the creative process, according to Sam West?
  • What are some examples of major failures mentioned in this piece?
  • What is the "real obstacle to innovation," according to West?

Focus Questions

Sam West says that if people "don't take meaningful risks, there will be no progress." How do you think institutions such as schools, businesses and the government can support meaningful risk taking, including those that might lead to failure? Media literacy: Why do you think the producers decided to highlight this particular museum?

For More

For classroom activities and lessons on the power that invention has in solving the world's problems, see this collection .
Educators: To receive the Daily News Lesson in your inbox each morning, sign up here .

Links

TRANSCRIPT

Recent Daily News Lessons

youth

Daily News Lesson

Youth sports become big business, putting stress on families

Discuss the impact of business on youth sports and how they could be made more accessible for all

afd

Daily News Lesson

Far-right political party win in Germany raises alarm in Europe

Discuss the impact of Germany's far-right party winning elections in the eastern part of the country

economy-1

Daily News Lesson

US jobs market strong despite inflation and global pressure

Discuss how the economy is being shaped by policy and global events

economy

Daily News Lesson

Prolonged Iran war impacts global economy

Learn about the broad impact of the war in Iran on the economy in the U.S. and elsewhere

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

PBS News Hour Classroom

Copyright © 2025 News Hour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward