MathWorks and the Museum of Science, Boston to Sponsor Natick Educational Foundation Grant for STEM Program in Natick

Natick Public School’s after school program, ASAP, Extends Science and Engineering Curriculum for Grades K-8

Natick, Mass. - (22 May 2012)

The Natick Education Foundation (NEF) today announced that the Museum of Science, Boston and MathWorks, will jointly sponsor a grant to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum into the Natick after-school program for students in grades K-8.   This initiative will enrich students’ experiences in the key STEM areas by expanding learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Through the NEF grant, the Natick Public Schools After School Activity Program (ASAP) will adopt the Engineering Adventures program being created by the Engineering is Elementary® (EiE®) team at the Museum of Science.  Engineering Adventures is being specifically designed for use in out-of-school time programs.  The grant will also enable the Natick Public Schools to train ASAP staff on the EIE curriculum materials through professional development workshops. The initiative is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2012.

“We face a big challenge today to increase student enthusiasm for STEM subjects and professions. Engineering Adventures is designed to give students hands-on, practical experience with science and engineering concepts, building on the classroom studies already in place. By integrating EiE materials into the ASAP program, we hope to encourage and nurture Natick students’ interest in STEM for the long-term,” said Peter Sanchioni, Superintendent of Natick Public Schools.

“The NEF is extremely pleased to be able to earmark this grant for this important program, and is grateful to MathWorks and the Museum of Science for their collaboration and support,” said Rosemary Driscoll, president of Natick Educational Foundation.   “These world-renowned STEM leaders share our goal to help stimulate student interest in these disciplines, which ultimately drive technological advances and innovations.   We all believe that students are our future, and STEM studies are important tools they need to make it a bright one.”

Students participating in the after-school program at each of Natick’s five elementary schools and both middle schools will have access to Engineering Adventures. The curriculum will complement, reinforce, and extend the existing science and engineering curriculum units during the regular school day. 

About Engineering is Elementary and the Museum of Science, Boston

The Engineering is Elementary (EiE) project fosters engineering and technological literacy among children. EiE has created a research-based, standards-driven, and classroom-tested curriculum that integrates engineering and technology concepts and skills with elementary science topics. EiE lessons not only promote K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning, but also connect with literacy and social studies.The Engineering is Elementary project also helps elementary school educators enhance their understanding of engineering concepts and pedagogy through professional development workshops and resources.

One of the world's largest science centers and Boston's most attended cultural institution, the Museum of Science introduces about 1.5 million visitors a year to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) via dynamic programs and hundreds of interactive exhibits. Its K-12 engineering curricula have reached 38,100 teachers and close to 3 million students nationwide.

About MathWorks

MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design for multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world's universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 2400 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit mathworks.com.

MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Natick Education Foundation

The Natick Education Foundation is an independent nonprofit membership organization that stimulates excellence in the Natick Public Schools by awarding grants for projects and purchases that support the curriculum, by funding scholarships and professional development for educators, and by raising the profile of public education in Natick.