ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Across the U.S., schools, teachers, parents, and students are adjusting to new learning modules as uncertainty and precautions around COVID-19 continue. Promoting accessible learning modules is essential – according to a recent study. A majority of parents want their local schools to provide a blend of in-person and remote learning (36%) or fully remote-learning (28%) – reinforcing the critical need for distance learning solutions and resources. 3M understands the difficulties schools and families are facing as well as the importance of science advocacy and STEM education in this unique time. As distance-learning continues amid back-to-school, 3M is pleased to announce the extension of its free, accessible “Science at Home” online learning resource to provide fun, DIY science lessons to teachers, parents, caregivers, and students.
3M’s “Science at Home” content series features 3M scientists and special guests who demonstrate core scientific principles in an easy to follow format – whether inflating a balloon using a water bottle with 3M’s Chief Science Advocate, Dr. Jayshree Seth, or exploring sound frequency with Gitanjali Rao, 2017 3M Young Scientist Challenge winner.
"When young minds can explore through hands-on learning, it sparks creativity, challenges critical thinking, and can foster a growth mindset,” says educator, speaker, and author Michael Bonner. “Covid-19 has forced us to become creative as we find innovative solutions to issues caused by the global pandemic. Resources like 3M’s Science at Home not only present accessible learning opportunities for students, but also serve as additional learning resources for educators and parents that can be done anywhere.”
To help the more than one billion students across the globe who had their education disrupted due to the pandemic, 3M launched Science at Home in April of this year. The online video content series currently holds 12 experiments with 14 more in the works -- each featuring a 3M scientist, engineer, or a special guest performing a simple experiment that follows the Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) used by many U.S. states to measure science-related education. All experiments are designed for children ages 6-12 and are easily replicated using commonly found household items.
“Teachers are vital to helping inspire the next generation of innovators,” says Denise Rutherford, 3M’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs. “During these exceptionally challenging times, ensuring educators and families have easy access to resources and support is of paramount importance and, we want to do our part to help. One of the ways we’re doing that is by extending our Science at Home video content series to assist our educators with additional relevant content. And for 3M, this is another step for us in helping to improve every life — making science approachable and accessible.”
All science experiments currently on the website are made in partnership with The Bakken Museum and Scientific American. Be sure to look out for 14 new videos to be added to the Science at Home website this year. Examples of current experiments include:
- Inflation Station: learn about the scientific concepts of chemistry, gases, reaction and acids, and bases – with Jayshree Seth, 3M’s Chief Science Advocate
- Feeling Sound: learn about the scientific concepts of water, energy, and sound – with Gitanjali Rao, 2017 3M Young Scientist Challenge winner
- Chromatography: learn about the scientific concepts of capillary action, chromatography, adhesion, and density – with John Banovetz, 3M’s SVP Research & Development and Chief Technology Officer
3M has a long history of promoting STEM education. In 2019, 3M Gives donated $41 million 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.
3M plans to expand Science at Home internationally to further support STEM learning resources to teachers, caregivers, parents, and students everywhere.
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. With $32 billion in sales, our 96,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.