3M Science at Home

2021: Presentation of the base of scientific experiments of the project "Science at Home"

On September 6, 2021, 3M presented the base of scientific experiments of the Science at Home project. As of September 2021, the project has about 30 videos for different age groups, which can be used as additional materials for studying STEM disciplines such as mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics.

According to 3M scientists, this will allow schoolchildren to adapt more easily to returning to classrooms after the holidays and will make training visual and interesting.

The videos are presented in English, which is also a good incentive to learn a foreign language. Some of the videos have been translated into Russian and are available in the Russian-language project base on the site Science of the House (3mrussia.ru)

Scientific experiments were carried out by scientists and engineers of 3M. Each of the experiments can be easily and safely repeated at home using improvised means. So, 3M scientist Theresa Whiting shows the process of creating her own lava lamp using kitchen items. The experiment illustrates how polarity and general chemistry can create a semblance of a burning lamp at home without a heat source. Teacher Michael Bonner tells how to make a guitar from cardboard and rubber ribbons to understand the nature of sound, changing its height, tone and frequency. Erudite 3M Mike Lewandowski creates own launcher for cotton balls. With this experiment, he explores the role of potential and kinetic energy.

In addition to scientific experiments, students can watch motivating videos, also in English, from 3M experts about what inspired them to engage in science, which helps to concentrate on complex research, and what it means for them to be a scientist.

We reveal the power of ideas and science to inspire the younger generation of innovators in the field of natural sciences. Globally, this will allow humanity to reach a different level of development. And thanks to the 3M Science at Home knowledge base, teachers and schoolchildren are given access to educational resources that will open up opportunities and ideas for the child to bring science to life, "said Denise Rutherford, senior vice president and director of corporate affairs at 3M.

"Science at Home" is a series of videos with scientific experiments in which 3M scientists and invited guests from the field of natural sciences use household items for experiments to clearly demonstrate how science surrounds us in everyday life. In 2020 resource 3M "Science of the house" reached the international level to support training programs of STEM for teachers, teachers, parents and students around the world, including Russia. In Russia, the Science at Home competition was held in 2020 and 2021.

The videos include both experiments conducted by scientists as part of the Science at Home competition, which ended in Russia more than a month ago, and experiments such as the construction of a marshmallow tower or balloon inflation with carbon dioxide.

Videos meet the standards of the Latest Generation Science Standard (NGSS) of the United States, which establish the rules for teaching the natural sciences of schoolchildren under 12 years old. Three aspects are integrated into STEM training at all levels. The first is the main ideas, the specific content of the objects. The second is science and engineering practice. It is expected that students not only study theory, but also will be able to understand the research methods of scientists and engineers. The third is the construction of "end-to-end" concepts in which key ideas common to related topics are combined.

Thus, the teaching of theory is interconnected with practical exercises conducted, including scientists and engineers. It is thanks to the combination of theory and practice that "science acquires meaning" and allows students to consolidate the material and understand its practical value. Standards based on modern scientific rules are designed to stimulate the interest of adolescents in science and prepare them for admission to university and further career.

According to a global 3M study, 73% of people from different countries believe that a significant part of the world's population does not have equal access to STEM education. To fill this gap and provide teachers with valuable educational resources, 3M will continue to expand the Science at Home educational base.

Earlier, 3M announced plans to organize and conduct by the end of 2025 year 5 million hours of unique training programs on STEM topics and employee development. According to 3M experts, training young talents for the future requirements of the labor market, which to a large extent include STEM knowledge, is of paramount importance for the common future.

Links

Link to Science at Home