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Full STEAM Ahead: Ford Advances Children’s Science Program with STEAM Machine Unveiling at The Henry Ford

  • Ford STEAM Machine – a Transit XL outfitted as a mobile learning lab on wheels – to be revealed at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation on National STEAM Day on Friday, November 8

  • The fun will continue through Sunday, with free admission to The Henry Ford on Saturday, November 9, 2019

  • Event will feature Dr. Kate Biberdorf, aka Kate the Chemist, entertaining children with a theatrical and hands-on demonstration of STEAM activities; she will also show kids how they can create their own STEAM box to continue learning at home

  • In the spirit of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford, STEAM initiatives are designed to inspire children to seek knowledge, be curious, make dreams of a better world come true and become the next generation of Ford problem solvers

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 7, 2019 – Ford knows a thing or two about building dream machines. As part of the Ford STEAM initiative, the automaker is revealing its first-ever STEAM Machine – a Transit XL decked out as a mobile science lab on wheels. Headlining National STEAM Day, the STEAM Machine will be unveiled at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation at 9:30 a.m. this Friday, with activities continuing throughout the weekend. In celebration of National STEAM Day, those attending Saturday will have free access to The Henry Ford.

Ford created its STEAM Machine to engage children in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. In the spirit of company founder Henry Ford, STEAM initiatives are designed to inspire children to seek knowledge, be curious, make dreams of a better world come true and become the next generation of Ford problem solvers. This investment in STEAM education and programs is crucial in order to fill the large gap between STEAM talent needs of the future and the skilled workforce currently available.

STEAM Day activities include a collaborative string art wall and fun games that teach children about magnetism, Newton’s laws of motion, air pressure and kinetic energy. Also featured is chemistry professor and television personality Dr. Kate Biberdorf, aka Kate the Chemist, who will entertain and engage children with her theatrical and hands-on approach to science, showing them how to create their own STEAM box to inspire learning at home.

“One of my favorite things about collaborating with Ford is that they understand the importance of exposing children to science, all while giving back to our community,” said Biberdorf. “Their STEAM Machine allows kids to experience science in such a fun way – they don’t even realize they are learning!”

National STEAM Day is the perfect opportunity for visitors to dive into STEAM activities and innovation, exploring the museum including the limited-engagement exhibition LEGO® blocks Towers of Tomorrow. Ford’s STEAM Machine will make its West Coast debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November.

For more information on the Ford STEAM experience program, please visit fordsteamexperience.com.

 

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About The Henry Ford

Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally-recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thehenryford.org, its national television programs, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation and Did I Mention Invention? and other resources, The Henry Ford helps individuals of all kinds to unlock their potential and help shape a better future. The Henry Ford advanced its role as a catalyst for change in education with the acquisition of Invention Convention Worldwide, a growing affiliation of organizations dedicated to fostering innovation, invention and entrepreneurship in students, K-12. With this merger, The Henry Ford is now home to the Michigan Invention Convention and the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, during which thousands of students from across the United States participate.