Panasonic Holdings starts year-round STEAM paid pilot program at Saint Agnes School in Massachusetts, launching a curriculum to foster children's creativity in the U.S.

Osaka, Japan, September 4, 2024 – Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Panasonic HD) today announced that it will be conducting a one year STEAM education program for students from kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) at Saint Agnes School in Massachusetts, US, from September 2024 through June 2025. This program will utilize the “Scratch Home School” curriculum, which has been thoroughly tested and validated in Japan. Building on the success of a preliminary summer camp at the school, this marks Panasonic HD's first long-term implementation of the curriculum in the US, aimed at exploring and validating the potential for expanding into the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education market in the US.

In this program, Panasonic HD aims to conduct classes using a curriculum that incorporates the latest internet of things (IoT) devices developed by Panasonic HD, such as programmable IoT toasters and IoT lighting. This will enable students to engage in STEAM education activities in a practical and creative format.

STEAM education faces some challenges in being overly focused on robots and games, leading to an imbalance in knowledge, with an emphasis on mathematics and physics. Additionally, there is often a weak connection between what children learn and their real-life experiences, which can result in a lack of understanding of the importance of STEAM and a diminished motivation for further exploration.

Through a curriculum closely tied to daily life situations, such as cooking and manipulating lighting, students can experientially understand the relationship between the STEAM knowledge they acquire and their own lives. This approach enhances the perceived relevance of STEAM education and boosts motivation for further exploration. Additionally, the Creative Learning method, through trial and error, helps students discover areas they are passionate about and encourages them to engage with enthusiasm.

Andrew W. Keough, Ed. D., the President of Saint Agnes School, says,
“The Saint Agnes School community is thrilled to be partnering with Panasonic as we advance our STEAM initiatives. We recognize the value that Panasonic, a leader in the field of science and technology, brings to our school and look forward to expanding our relationship further through fun and innovative learning experiences for our students.”

This extended period of continuous STEAM instruction marks a first for Panasonic HD. Going forward, the company plans to evaluate this curriculum while exploring the potential for STEAM education in the US. Over the course of the year-long program, Panasonic HD will strive to provide an environment where students can experiment and learn through hands-on trial and error.

Below is an example of a parent's feedback:
“This was really an exciting camp for my daughter,” the parent said. “It combined her love of science with really fun, creative and engaging activities!”
“The STEAM camp was such a great opportunity for my daughter. She came home every day with such excitement and enthusiasm about what was learned. My daughter enjoyed the connection of knowledge around everyday life with science, engineering, mathematics and technology. My daughter also enjoyed learning about creative lighting,” another parent said. “She was very proud to share things like light diffusion, absorption, reflection and transmission. She has all of her designs on display at home! Again, she was able to communicate what changes she would make in the future to design a bigger and brighter model.”

Panasonic HD remains committed to fostering children's creativity through advanced educational programs.

Technical Public Relations Contact, Technology Planning Office, Panasonic Holdings Corporation
Email: crdpress@ml.jp.panasonic.com

• Scratch Home Project HP
  https://laboratory.jpn.panasonic.com/project/hclsteam/en/
• Programming Opens World to Biology and Chemistry – Pilot Lessons by Panasonic and Scratch in Japan (March 2021)
  https://news.panasonic.com/global/stories/935
• Scratch Home Pilot Lessons Hail New Era in Programming Education (November 2020)
  https://news.panasonic.com/global/topics/5321
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgRBJovqbSo