The Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) announced nearly $75,000 (€62,247) in grants for 20 innovative classroom STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic) projects in grades 6-12.
Due to COVID-19 and the shift to remote learning TAF expanded the scope of its grant review process in order to support distance learning and teaching utilizing novel ways to use incorporate hands-on activities such as coding, robotics, remote learning software, and 3D printing.
Among them are grants for students to learn and address community issues such as environmental science, engineering, geometry, math, and physics. All novel ways to utilize STEM in the classroom or virtual learning. For example, students at Lyndhurst Middle School in Lyndhurst, NJ will be using 3D printers purchased with Toshiba funds for students to prototype, code, and create 3D print face masks and shields that can be donated to frontline workers, the township police and the members of the local community.
“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators,” said TAF President, John Anderson. “The grants make the STEM classroom more exciting for both teachers and students.”
Toshiba America Foundation’s grants aim to fund projects designed by innovative classroom teachers. This “direct-to-teacher” approach brings immediate results. Teachers are able to enhance the way they teach STEM subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and project-based learning in the curriculum.
