Where was this when we were kids? Take a look at how Ford is connecting kids to science, technology and math in a fun new way.
Talk about driving a child to want to learn. Now that the school year is in full swing, Ford Motor Company is bringing science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) education to youth across the country with fun, and educational challenges delivered right to their doorsteps.
Ford has launched FordSteamExperience.com as a way to showcase many of the education-focused programs it is now offering. The company’s latest addition is a collaboration with Academics in a Box, designers of Groovy Lab in a Box, an award-winning educational kit line designed for children ages 8 and up interested in learning STEAM fields. The unique experience is delivered right to their homes at no cost when they sign up.
The Ford STEAM Box challenges students to think much like a Ford engineer. The box includes a number of activities – designing a vehicle frame out of origami and kirigami modeling, working with copper tape which conducts electricity to create a working motor, and creating headlights and taillights using LED lighting – all adding up to a complete prototype of a Ford Mustang GT model.
According to Lisa Sheth, a Ford engineer, she says programs like Ford STEAM Box include activities designed to help the company engage and build relationships with parents, who are the best resources for encouraging and inspiring young kids.
“Parents play a critical role in motivating their kids to stay curious and sustain their excitement in STEAM education,” says Sheth. “Ford sees an increasing desire from them for more STEAM-related activities, and this is a great way for us to help bring that about.”
Elaine Hansen, co-founder of Academics in a Box, says Ford is the perfect partner to help them reach their goal – to expand their reach and enable more students the opportunity to have education delivered to their home.
“Doing good has been part of our business plan from the beginning, and Ford is doing just that,” she says. “Ford wants to engage in educating our youth, and we are happy to work with a company that has the same goals as we do.”
Expanding Girls’ Fast Track Races
In addition to working with Academics in a Box, Ford is expanding its collaboration with Girl Scouts of the USA by bringing the Girls’ Fast Track Races experience to eight Girl Scout councils from four last year. The races will now reach hundreds of Brownies and Juniors from Girl Scout councils in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas. Girls’ Fast Track Races provide participants with hands-on experience with the concepts of engineering, design, aerodynamics, and weight distribution as girls build and compete with their very own wooden race cars.
Elizabeth Perez, vice president of institutional giving for Girl Scouts of the USA, shares that “Girl Scouts has long been committed to challenging stereotypes and providing girls of all ages with interactive and engaging programs that increase their interest in STEAM. We are grateful for our Ford collaboration because it goes beyond simply offering STEAM content; Ford engineers work directly with girls during the races. Providing this leadership development opportunity is a key element of our Girl Scout programming.”
Sheth adds that Ford is deeply committed to rallying youth to get inspired about pursuing careers in high-tech fields. “We’re excited to bring Girls’ Fast Track Races to even more girls—giving them an engaging experience focused on teaching core STEAM principles,” she says.
To learn more, visit FordSteamExperience.com.
Source: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2017/10/steam-education-delivered-to-your-door.html
