The Next Generation of Innovators Inspired by STEM Education Activities in the Americas (Part 2)

Murata Electronics Americas, Inc. (MEA) recently collaborated with Science from Scientists^® to offer a new STEM experience program that promotes curiosity and encourages participants to propose and investigate new ideas.

Meredith: “Science from Scientists, a non-profit organization, provides STEM education programs that encourage inquiry through real-world experiences led by professionally trained scientists. The new STEM experience program we created together uses a comparison of incandescent and LED light bulbs to encourage questions about what innovation is, why innovation is important, and what kind of innovation we can create to support a sustainable future.”

MEA team members from different regions volunteered their time to guide participants through this STEM experience program at the Atlanta Science Festival and the Cambridge Science Festival.

The Atlanta Science Festival, an annual two-week event held near MEA’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, provides world-class learning experiences and delivers a variety of STEM engagement opportunities. The final day of the festival brings together more than 100 companies, education organizations and community groups that offer hands-on activities to spur interest in STEM fields among visitors of all ages.

The Cambridge Science Festival, a week-long annual event at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, promotes ingenuity, creativity, and innovation while showing visitors the richness of scientific inquiry and the joy of discovery through a variety of hands-on learning experiences, exhibitions, workshops, tours, and lectures. MEA shared its community STEM experience during the Carnival that marks the festival’s final day.

Meredith: “Both events provided opportunities for our employees to engage in STEM education in their local communities. Thanks to the work of nearly 30 employees serving as STEM ambassadors, we reached more than 2,000 children and adults.”

Meredith added that the response from participants was extremely positive.

Meredith: “In the hands-on exhibit, visitors turned a hand-cranked generator to supply power to both LED and incandescent light bulbs. Participants experienced firsthand that it takes more effort to supply power to incandescent bulbs than LED bulbs and made the connection that LED bulbs are more efficient than incandescent ones. This experience can be a springboard for a conversation on how LED light bulbs are more sustainable because they are more efficient. It was also a great opportunity to discuss the importance of innovation for our society and Murata.”

Meredith said MEA will continue to develop regional STEM activities and create more engagement opportunities.

Meredith: “Each time we share our STEM community experience, we learn something new that helps us improve how we connect with participants. In this way, we are continually innovating our STEM program. Ultimately, I hope the participants develop an interest in innovation through these programs and motivation to look for better ways to do things or solve problems.”

Meredith: “Providing regional STEM experience programs is just the first step toward Murata doing more to contribute to society and the local community. Moving forward, I want more employees have the opportunity be STEM ambassadors. We will also look at ways to collaborate with academic institutions and local organizations. The opportunities are endless.”