Boeing teammates share passion for STEM with Canadian students
Boeing employees engaged with students in Canada virtually during the annual Let’s Talk Science Challenge, a team-based competitive enrichment event for students in grades 6-8. This year the challenge was entirely virtual, allowing for an expanded 11-week format. Each week, more than 3,000 students participated in the virtual question-and-answer competitions.
Boeing volunteers quizzed students to test their knowledge and shared how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education inspired them to pursue a career in aerospace. Employees also used their expertise to judge videos submitted by students in the final Engineering Design Challenge, which gives students a practical opportunity to use their STEM knowledge. This year, students were asked to identify an important issue in their lives or communities and use their scientific knowledge to create a STEM-based solution.
“I am very impressed with all of the students! They all did a wonderful job and gave really good presentations on topics like pollution and recycling. Events like this one are so beneficial for our students, as they give them an opportunity to learn about something new, present their research and come up with solutions,” said Courtney Mandock, a manufacturing engineer for Boeing in Winnipeg who volunteered as a judge. “Regardless of what they choose to do in the future, they are learning how to research and give presentations, two skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.”
By participating in the challenge, students are inspired to acquire STEM knowledge beyond their curriculum, building confidence in their own abilities. The events are supported by hundreds of teachers, postsecondary student volunteers, faculty and administrators. Funding provided by Boeing ensures the event is free and accessible to all Canadian youth and educators. Boeing has supported Let’s Talk Science since 2012.
