Start Your Engines! Honda Joins Think Together to Fund STEM
Think Together is thrilled to announce a $50,000 contribution from Honda to support the expansion of STEM coding and robotics programs across 15 schools within Paramount Unified School District, with a goal of engaging more than 900 elementary and middle students with project-based STEM learning.
This contribution supports Think Together’s coding and robotics programs, which includes curriculum focused on visual and text-based code editing, rapid prototyping, STEM career explorations, Invention Adventures activities, and Hack Clubs for all grade levels.
According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at 24%, while other occupations are growing at 4%. Even in non-STEM careers, individuals with STEM degrees tend to earn higher incomes.
STEM education helps foster the foundation of creative thinking, problem solving, while preparing future scientists, engineers, and inventors.
At Howard Tanner Elementary School in Paramount Unified School District, students of all ages participate in building LEGO®STEM kits, by creating their own theme parks, as part of the curriculum. This project shows students the concept of programming through coding and allows them to step into an engineer’s shoes for the day.
Students collaborated in groups to first conceptualize and design their theme park. Then, students built their theme park using their unique designs before presenting their concepts to their classmates.
“I think exposing students to all of these different activities is super important, especially at this age,” said Adriana Perez, site program manager for Howard Tanner. “Also, seeing them figure out how STEM is incorporated in a lot of stuff they do.”
From a student’s perspective, the program has been fun and eye-opening. Following a lesson on how batteries and circuits can help power LEGO® creations, fifth grader Leilani shared, “I learned how to use the electronic batteries you add to make them move.”
Honda’s mission of giving back to students and education is evident in their philosophy of solving today’s problems for tomorrow’s challenges. With STEM education as a top priority, Honda and Think Together aim to create opportunities that inspire students to explore, innovate, and develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
Think Together appreciates Honda for helping us change the odds for kids by providing vital funding for STEM coding and robotics opportunities to our youth. Follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more stories.
