HELSINKI – Kide Science has teamed up with Sesame Workshop and Programa Adopte un Talento (PAUTA) to create resources and training aimed at making STEM education more engaging and accessible to preschool children in Mexico. The pilot project, funded by Business Finland and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, will introduce high-quality STEM content and teacher training in 20 to 30 public schools. The initiative’s long-term goal is to address disparities in STEM education, with a focus on improving opportunities for young girls and underserved communities.
“Together, we’re working to ensure that all learners, regardless of their circumstances or background, have equal opportunities to explore and excel in these fields,” said Sari Hurme-Mehtälä, co-founder and managing director of Kide Science.
A Growing Concern for STEM Education in Latin America
International assessments like PISA highlight the challenges facing STEM education in Latin America. Although many countries in the region showed some improvements before the pandemic, recent data reveals that this progress stalled or reversed between 2018 and 2022. According to the PISA 2022 results, Latin American countries are ranked in the lower half of global education quality in subjects such as mathematics, reading, and science.
Innovative STEM Lessons Inspired by Sesame Street
As part of the collaboration, Kide Science will develop STEM lesson plans based on Sesame Street Mecha Builders, an animated series that reimagines Sesame Street characters as robot heroes-in-training. These characters use their STEM skills to solve problems, and the lessons will aim to inspire young children to engage with these critical subjects.
Kide Science, Sesame Workshop, and PAUTA will work closely with Mexico’s state-level Secretariats of Education to implement the project in preschools across the country. The program will provide teachers with evidence-based, specialized training and resources to enhance their STEM teaching capabilities and promote a more inclusive, diverse STEM community.
Expanding Access to STEM Education
All materials will be available in both Spanish and English, laying the groundwork for potential expansion to other countries globally. This bilingual approach aims to increase the program’s accessibility, offering a pathway to reach more young learners around the world.
“The commitment and support of our esteemed partners highlight the global importance of promoting equity in STEM education,” said Hurme-Mehtälä. “We are committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have the chance to explore and excel in these vital fields.”
About Kide Science
Kide Science is a leading provider of early childhood STEM education, offering interactive and immersive learning experiences for pre-kindergarten through second-grade students. As part of Accelerate Learning Inc., Kide Science aims to empower teachers, boost student outcomes, and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
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