3M Science at Home Learning Resource Delivers Free On-Demand STEM Education Anywhere, Anytime

Rhea-AI Summary

3M is committed to enhancing science education by offering free access to its Science at Home program, which provides interactive STEM experiments for students aged 6-12. Available online, this initiative aims to inspire young learners and bridge the educational gap, particularly for underrepresented groups. The program includes nearly 30 experiments aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and features contributions from 3M scientists. Collaborating with Teach For America and Discovery Education, 3M aims to ensure resources reach those in need.

Positive

• Free access to STEM resources through Science at Home attracts educational engagement.
• Partnerships with organizations enhance outreach to underrepresented communities.
• Nearly 30 age-appropriate experiments align with Next Generation Science Standards.

Negative

• None.

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M believes science education should be readily available: on demand where and when students are ready to learn. As educators, parents, and students navigate returning to school this fall, 3M is stepping up to provide free access to Science at Home experiments to inspire STEM learning everywhere.

With 3M Science at Home, teachers and families have free access to resources that can help inspire a child.

Science at Home is a series of science experiment videos that feature 3M scientists and special guests using common household items to make STEM learning as accessible as possible while also showing kids, ages 6-12, that they can connect science to just about anything.

"We unlock the power of people, ideas, and science to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of innovators," says Denise Rutherford, senior vice president and chief corporate affairs officer, 3M. "With 3M Science at Home, teachers and families have free access to educational resources that can help a child become inspired by science and open new opportunities for them. For 3M, this is another way we are helping to reimagine what's possible and to improve every life — by making science approachable and accessible."

Whether building a marshmallow tower with 3M advanced product development specialist, Mary Caruso Daley, or inflating a balloon using CO2 with 3M research specialist, Cait Meree, Science at Home has something to interest any child, including nearly 30 age-appropriate experiments that all follow the Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS).

This year, Science at Home introduces a Scientist Spotlight series – a library of videos featuring the scientists who have conducted these experiments, explaining what it means to them to be a scientist, what inspired them to pursue science, and helping kids connect to their inner scientist.

According to 3M's original research, 73% of the world recognizes that underrepresented minority groups often lack equal access to STEM education. To help bridge this gap, and provide valuable and needed educational resources to teachers, 3M continues to expand Science at Home to promote and encourage STEM exploration and learning. And, to help ensure these materials are reaching the teachers and students that need them most, including underrepresented communities, 3M has partnered with Teach For America and continues to work with Discovery Education to share these STEM learning resources.

All science experiments currently on the website are made in partnership with The Bakken Museum and Scientific American. Be sure to look out for 10 new videos to be added to the Science at Home website this year. Examples of current experiments include:

• Make your own Lava Lamp with 3M Scientist, Theresa Whiting, uses everyday kitchen items to illustrate how polarity and general chemistry can create an at-home lava lamp experience without a heat source.
• Tune up your Rubber Band Guitar with educator, Michael Bonner, challenges kids to build their own guitar with cardboard and rubber bands to learn about pitch, frequency, and why we hear sound.
• Make your own Cotton-ball Launcher with 3M Scientist, Mike Lewandowski, breaks down the role of potential and kinetic energy to see how far kids can launch a cotton ball across a table using a rubber band and toilet paper roll.

3M has a long history of supporting and promoting STEM education. In 2020, 3M donated more than $25 million in cash and products to educational initiatives and more than 78,000 volunteer hours, supporting K-12 programs, including the "Visiting Wizards" program where 3M scientists demonstrate hands-on science experiments in classrooms. 3M also supports programs and initiatives for higher education and educator and professional development, in addition to granting scholarships to help students pursue careers in STEM.

In 2020, Science at Home expanded internationally to further support STEM learning resources to teachers, caregivers, parents, and students everywhere – including Russia, South Korea, Mexico, Thailand, South Africa, and more.

To learn more about 3M Science at Home, visit 3M.com/scienceathome.

About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily as our employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to global challenges at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews. 

 

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SOURCE 3M

FAQ

What is 3M's Science at Home initiative?

3M's Science at Home is a program providing free access to interactive STEM experiments for children aged 6-12, aiming to inspire young learners.

How does 3M support STEM education?

3M supports STEM education through initiatives like Science at Home and partnerships with organizations like Teach For America, focusing on underrepresented groups.

What types of experiments are included in Science at Home?

Science at Home features nearly 30 experiments that involve common household items, covering various scientific concepts suitable for young learners.

When was the Science at Home program launched by 3M?

The Science at Home program was launched as part of 3M's initiatives to support STEM education, with its recent updates announced on August 11, 2021.