Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education and Professional Studies is proud to announce the successful continuation of its MerMADE STEM Toys4KIDS project, an initiative that has been brightening the holiday season for children since 2015.
今年, the industrious students of the Industrial 技术 program have outdone themselves by creating an innovative range of STEM (science, 技术, 工程, 还有数学玩具. 这些玩具, meticulously designed for youths aged 6 to 18, have been crafted as part of the students' mission to make the holidays a little brighter for kids at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk.
The 2023 collection features a variety of toys and puzzles, including marshmallow catapults, all made from eco-friendly materials. Three large boxes filled to the brim with a variety of toys were delivered to hospital representatives this week. 这些玩具 are the product of the students' hard work in the STEM Education Production Lab located at ODU.
这个项目, led and continued by Basim Matrood, lecturer of industrial 技术, is a culmination of months of work by the students in the Industrial Design and 技术 program. Two students joined the expedition to CHKD: industrial 技术 students Jessie Smith and Madeline Newhouse, both from the Class of 2024, who have played a significant role in this team effort.
Petros Katsioloudis, the project's initial founder and associate dean for faculty affairs and research, emphasizes the project's role in fostering values of philanthropy and diversity. "It's more than just an educational exercise; it's about instilling character and a sense of community in our students — and bringing some fun to children during the holidays,他评论道.
In the spirit of the season, Old Dominion University's MerMADE STEM Toys4KIDS project stands as a shining example of how education and compassion can intertwine to make a significant impact in the community. As these dedicated students continue to push the boundaries of creativity and generosity, they not only brighten the holidays for children at CHKD but also pave the way for a future where STEM education and philanthropy go hand in hand.
