STEM Forward Program to Take Students on a Virtual STEM Tour of Japan with Olympian Katy Ledecky

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 01/18/24

Panasonic North America, Discovery Education, and Olympic and World Champion Katy Ledecky will team up to take students in middle and high school on a second virtual tour through the educational program STEM Forward.

The Innovators for Impact virtual tour will visit a "future forward" region of Japan focusing on using technology to make daily life better. Students will hear from Panasonic's STEM experts about innovations in robotics, smart mobility solutions, sustainable smart towns, re-energized solar power, and 100% renewable energy in a fun and engaging way, Panasonic said.

The tour will premiere on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at 1 p.m. EST. Signups are available on Discovery Education's STEM Forward page. Those interested can watch a trailer for the tour, and educators can download a pdf guide.

This will be three-time Olympian, 21-time World Champion and 10-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer Ledecky's second virtual tour. An avid STEM advocate, Ledecky helped launch the STEM Forward virtual tours in 2022 with a visit to five Panasonic Innovation Centers in North America. The program has reached 10,000 educators and over 628,000 students since its inception, Panasonic said.

"Any opportunity I have in life to inspire educators and students to live more sustainably, I'm going to take it," Ledecky said. "It was exciting to explore Panasonic's innovations in its global headquarters in Japan and then be able to share that experience to help engage educators and students. From solar power to smart mobility, furthering STEM education and providing equal access to students can help today's youth realize their impact."

"We are proud to continue to work alongside Katie Ledecky to show today's educators and learners how they can have a positive impact on the world through STEM," said Megan Myungwon Lee, Panasonic North America CEO.

Visit Panasonic's STEM Forward page to learn more about the program.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • digital illustration of Estonia with glowing neural network-like connections spreading across the map

    Estonia to Roll Out ChatGPT Edu for all Secondary Schools

    In a nationwide artificial intelligence program dubbed "AI Leap 2025," the country of Estonia plans to provide free access to leading AI applications for all secondary school students and teachers. The initiative will launch with a rollout of ChatGPT Edu to 20,000 high school students in grades 10-11 and their 3,000 teachers, beginning Sept. 1.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • laptop screen displaying a typed essay, on a child

    McGraw Hill Acquires Essaypop Digital Learning Tool

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced the acquisition of Essaypop, a cloud-based writing tool that will enhance the former's portfolio of personalized learning capabilities.

  • teacher

    6 Policy Recommendations for Adopting AI in the Classroom

    The Southern Regional Education Board's Commission on AI in Education has published six recommendations on adopting artificial intelligence in schools, colleges, and universities. The guidance marks the commission's first release since it was established last February, with more recommendations planned in the coming year.