Latest news with #STEMeducation
Arab News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Arab News
Formula E and PIF tackle green skills gap
LONDON: A major electric motorsport-backed education initiative is targeting Britain's critical shortage of workers in green industries, with Formula E's Driving Force program, presented by PIF E360, predicted to reach over 50,000 students worldwide by the end of 2025. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Formula E, the world's first and only all electric motorsport, continues to accelerate change on and off the track through its flagship STEM and sustainability youth education programs. Driving Force presented by PIF E360 comes as the UK faces a projected deficit of 200,000 skilled workers in net-zero zero roles by 2030, while green job opportunities continue to expand by 9.2 percent year-on-year. The skills gap has prompted new Department of Education statutory guidance for schools to create stronger links between subject lessons and careers. Every pupil is required to learn how the knowledge and skills developed in that subject helps gain entry to, and work within, a wide range of careers. All students between Years 7 and 11 are to experience at least one meaningful encounter with an employer each year and to learn about careers through every subject. Driving Force uses the appeal of all-electric motorsport to engage students aged eight to 18 in sustainability education, equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and role models needed to pursue the ever-growing roles in sustainability, science and tech. As part of its community engagement, Formula E delivered an in-person Driving Force workshop at Hammersmith Academy in London on 16th July, reaching over 90 students. The session that research represents the type of direct intervention can significantly influence young people's career suggests aspirations and STEM representation, and is part of a series of 5 workshops delivered across London in July, focusing on schools close to the upcoming London E-Prix race location of the Excel in East London, and the Formula E HQ in Hammersmith. Earlier this year, Formula E also delivered Driving Force workshops in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Miami, United States during their respective race weeks. Through hands-on learning, the in-person workshops connected classroom learning to real-world careers in motorsport, mobility, engineering, battery innovation and clean energy, leaving behind a lasting community legacy in the heart of London. Julia Palle, VP of Sustainability, Formula E said: 'A survey in 2024 of more than 7,000 UK secondary-school students reveals a worrying downward trend in both their involvement in and their ambition to pursue STEM subjects — a stark wake-up call for educators and policymakers alike. Teachers are being asked to make stronger connections between subjects and careers, but they need support from employers to do that effectively. Driving Force, presented by PIF E360, is part of the solution to help the education system deliver what our students and our green economy both desperately need to succeed.' In addition to Driving Force, Formula E's wider social impact FIA Girls on strategy includes several key initiatives including Together, Inspiration Hour and Better Futures Fund, the Track these programs form a core part of Formula E's commitment to delivering long-term, community-focused benefits in every host city and create inclusive opportunities. Formula E was born out of a desire to help shape a more sustainable future for current and future generations to come and continues to deepen its commitment to creating lasting, positive change through social impact initiatives that aim to tackle inequalities and nurture inclusive, resilient and diverse communities in every city they visit. As the world's first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport-certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world's most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world's leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation. The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities is united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and the planet.
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
TOOCAA's Ecosystem Manifesto: Redefining the Boundaries of Desktop Creation
The world of desktop DIY craft creation is undergoing a profound shift. Hobbyists and entrepreneurs increasingly seek laser engravers that are not just gadgets but gateways to creative enterprise. Numerous consumers are willing to pay more for personalized products, and many people are interested in customized goods in categories like home decor and DIY crafts. In response, makers of creative hardware are transforming their products into platforms. The latest example is TOOCAA laser engraver, a newcomer in laser engraving and cutting, which has declared an 'ecosystem manifesto' to pivot from a single-product focus to a comprehensive creation platform. From STEM Roots to Laser Safety: The TOOCAA Story Begins TOOCAA's story starts with its parent company, ELECFREAKS, founded in 2011 and known as a STEM education leader. In 2022, Elecfreaks introduced the TOOCAA brand dedicated to laser cutting and engraving machines. From inception, the new brand's mission was clear: safety and reliability for desktop laser tools. 'TOOCAA was born committed to building a safe and reliable future for laser cutting machines,' the company notes of its 2022 pivot. This ethos materialized in the brand's flagship release, the TOOCAA L2. Launched in 2024 as a fully enclosed desktop laser engraver. Unlike many hobbyist laser cutters, which are open-frame and expose users to fumes or laser light, the L2 comes with a protective case. As All3DP magazine observed, 'unlike many traditional open-frame laser engravers, the TOOCAA L2 comes with an enclosed case that helps isolate fumes, contain dust, and reduce light exposure.' This emphasis on an integrated, safety-first design marked TOOCAA's first step from selling a standalone gadget toward building a holistic ecosystem. The pivot from product to platform accelerated as TOOCAA realized that modern maker audiences expect more than hardware. Early on, the company not only delivered the L2 machine but also developed proprietary control software and a full suite of accessories. This foreshadowed an ecosystem approach: hardware seamlessly integrated with software and add-ons. Why Platformization Is the New Necessity in Maker Tech Selling a creative machine in 2025 means selling more than just the machine. The maker market has grown fiercely competitive and expansive – the global laser engraving/cutting machine market, for instance, is projected to grow from around $2.9 billion in 2022 to $6.19 billion by 2030, with nearly 10% CAGR (data from Within this booming landscape, platformization has become the key to engaging users and standing out. Hardware companies are drawing lessons from the software world: build an ecosystem, not just a device, to foster loyalty and ongoing engagement. The important players like xTool (a brand under China's Makeblock) have embraced the platform mindset. xTool produces laser engravers and cutters ranging from diode-based models to 55W CO₂ machines, and it backs them with its own software (xTool Creative Space) and account system that unifies the user experience across devices. By logging into one xTool account, users access design software, a project-sharing community, customer support, and even a rewards program in one ecosystem. Against this backdrop, TOOCAA's decision to evolve into an ecosystem provider is not just a marketing ploy but a competitive imperative. A platform, on the other hand, promises ongoing value: software updates that add capabilities, accessories that unlock new uses, a community that inspires projects, and a one-stop shop for users' creative needs (materials, support, tutorials, etc.). By pivoting to a platform model, TOOCAA aims to cultivate long-term relationships with users by supporting them from the moment they unbox the machine through countless projects and upgrades, and in turn benefiting from user feedback, word-of-mouth, and repeat sales. In sum, the platform approach is how modern maker-tech companies turn a one-time device purchase into an ongoing partnership with creators. TOOCAA Ecosystem: Hardware, Software, Materials, and Community TOOCAA's ecosystem today revolves around its flagship machine, the TOOCAA L2 desktop laser engraver & cutter, and a constellation of complementary software and accessories. The design of the TOOCAA L2 itself embodies the ecosystem philosophy by blending the strengths of different device categories. Reviewers note that TOOCAA L2 bridges the gap between open-frame hobby lasers and high-end enclosed machines. It has a rigid aluminum frame and accessibility akin to DIY open gantry lasers, but it's housed in a transparent orange enclosure that delivers the safety and polished user experience of an industrial machine. Central to TOOCAA's platform is its emphasis on safety and reliability. The L2 comes with an extensive array of safety features – Eight layers in total, which is unusually robust for a desktop machine in its price class. These include a magnetic lid sensor that immediately pauses the laser if the cover is opened, a flame detector that can halt operation or trigger alarms if an unsafe condition is detected, a gyroscope/tilt sensor that stops the laser if the machine is bumped or tilted, and emergency cutoff mechanisms. It even uses gas springs to hold the lid open safely and a special USB key dongle as a 'drive lock' to prevent unauthorized or accidental use (a child cannot run the laser without the key inserted). An integrated exhaust fan is built into the unit to draw smoke out of the enclosure, and users have the option to vent outside or connect a dedicated smoke purifier unit for indoor use. Safety isn't an afterthought in the TOOCAA ecosystem; it's a foundational feature around which the user experience is built. Another pillar of the ecosystem is TOOCAA's software integration. Alongside the L2 hardware, the company developed TOOCAA Studio, a browser-based application for designing and controlling laser projects. Ease of use is a major goal – the interface is meant to be friendly for beginners, offering presets and an intuitive workflow that spares users from fiddling with third-party control software if they don't want to. Traditionally, many low-cost laser engravers rely on generic freeware like LaserGRBL or require a paid program like LightBurn, which can pose a learning curve. By providing a polished in-house software, TOOCAA lowers the barrier for newcomers to get started creating quickly. At the same time, in an acknowledgment of advanced users' needs (and perhaps reflecting Elecfreaks' open-source roots), the L2 does not lock users into proprietary software. It remains compatible with popular third-party programs such as LightBurn and LaserGRBL, via USB or even offline via an SD card. The modular hardware design of the TOOCAA L2 is another key aspect of TOOCAA's ecosystem. Rather than a fixed one-size machine, the L2 was designed to be configurable and upgradable, allowing users to expand its capabilities over time. For instance, the laser module (the component that generates the laser beam) is interchangeable. Customers can choose from a 10W, 20W, or even 40W diode laser module based on their needs, a Rotary Roller attachment to engrave cylindrical objects like tumblers, and the aforementioned external Smoke Purifier unit with a high-efficiency filter for indoor air cleaning. TOOCAA has initiated a program to build an online community. On TOOCAA's online community, users are able to communicate with their creative works, such as sharing their works and design files, downloading creative design files, and using AI for creation. Through the construction of the online community, TOOCAA aims to create a one-stop platform for users to have a creative experience. Meanwhile, they have also hinted that they are about to launch a new generation of desktop laser engravers, intending to create desktop creations for home aesthetics. User Impact and Future Outlook: What TOOCAA's Ecosystem Means for Creators For the end user – the maker, the educator, the small business owner, the hobbyist in a garage – the rise of platforms like TOOCAA's ecosystem is a welcome development. It signals a future where creative tools are more accessible, more user-centric, and more empowering than ever before. Here's what the TOOCAA ecosystem means for users now and looking forward: Lower Barrier to Entry and Learning Curve: By integrating safety and user-friendly software, TOOCAA lowers the intimidation factor of laser cutting. They have a guided software (TOOCAA Studio) to create or import designs and hardware safeguards that forgive some beginner errors. This means more creators can join in, including classrooms where teachers want a safe laser cutter for STEM projects, or crafters who previously stuck to Cricut vinyl cutters but are now curious about laser engraving. As one tech writer put it, the L2 'blends some of the best features of both open and enclosed designs' at a reasonable price, making it one of the best options for those looking to get into laser crafting. The immediate impact is that an enthusiast doesn't need to spend $4,000 on a Glowforge or spend weeks learning a DIY laser kit's quirks; they can choose a mid-range TOOCAA system and get professional-grade results. A Tool That Grows With Your Creativity: Perhaps one of the most empowering aspects of the TOOCAA ecosystem is its scalability for the user. If you start a small Etsy shop engraving custom cutting boards, the base L2 (10W or 20W) might serve you well. If your business expands into cutting thicker hardwood signs or higher volume production, you could upgrade to the 40W module or add an air assist for faster, cleaner cuts, without having to replace the entire machine. If you discover a niche in engraving tumblers or jewelry, you can add the rotary and perhaps the infrared laser head to tackle those materials. In conclusion, if the company stays on course, we can expect the TOOCAA ecosystem to keep expanding the creative frontier for desktop makers. In the not-so-distant future, when a creator sits down at their desk to bring an idea to life, they won't just see a machine – they'll see a platform that supports their imagination end-to-end. Explore TOOCAA now:
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Mark Rober's Bold Plan To Reach One Billion Young Minds
Mark Rober When Mark Rober built a glitter bomb for porch pirates he sparked a global movement around science storytelling that is now on track to transform STEM education for the next generation. His latest ambition? To reach one billion brains. 'My North Star is to reach as many brains as possible with the message that science doesn't have to be boring or hard to understand,' says Rober. 'I want to spark a love of science and engineering in the next generation of big problem solvers. That's my why, and my how is CrunchLabs.' What started as a wildly successful YouTube channel, now with 69 million subscribers and over 1 billion monthly views, has become a multi-pronged educational brand that spans subscription boxes, YouTube storytelling, a forthcoming national curriculum and soon, retail toy aisles across America. 'We're growing from YouTube and subscription products to become the leading brand in STEM worldwide to ignite curiosity and resilience in millions more people,' says Rober. At the heart of this operation is CrunchLabs, the company he co-founded with Jim Lee, a former Google executive who serves as President and COO. Jim Lee CrunchLabs launched in June 2022 with a single video: a tour of Rober's secret lab. Within days, they sold out of their first product line, a monthly subscription box called Build Box. Since then, the company has grown rapidly, reaching over 200,000 subscribers across the world. But for Rober and Lee, subscriptions are just the starting point. 'The future holds more in terms of education,' Lee explains. 'Mark actually wanted to become a teacher. He realized that with this platform, we could change science education in a much more meaningful way.' That vision is now crystallizing into Class CrunchLabs, a comprehensive, freely available, next-generation science curriculum for middle schools. Developed by the same team behind Rober's videos and products, it combines high-production-value storytelling with hands-on experiments aligned to national standards. 'We've actually created a pilot episode of a science class,' says Lee. 'We're observing classrooms, gathering feedback, and really trying to make this the best curriculum ever made. Our goal is to make science feel as engaging as a Mark Rober video, and that's never been done before.' CrunchLabs' second major initiative is a multi-channel expansion strategy, combining streaming, retail and licensing deals to diversify revenue while amplifying impact. In May, the company inked a deal with Moose Toys, one of the world's top toy makers, to bring CrunchLabs toys to shelves in 2026. 'A year ago, we had the idea to take over the STEM toy aisle in Target and Walmart,' says Lee. 'Since then I hired a 30-year retail toy veteran, Rachele Harmuth, to be our Head of Commercialization and Product. We paired her with our mechanical engineers and partnered with the world's best toy company for the creator economy: Moose Toys.' Just a month later, CrunchLabs announced the hire of Scott Lewers, a former Discovery Channel executive and Emmy Award-winner, as the company's first Chief Content Officer. 'Scott will lead the creation of original, high-impact science storytelling across screens and into classrooms worldwide,' says Lee. 'This is a huge leap forward in our mission to reach as many brains as possible.' A defining principle of CrunchLabs is that education should never feel like a lecture. Instead of balancing fun and learning, they lead with fun, trusting that curiosity will naturally follow. 'We don't balance it, it's all entertainment,' says Lee. 'The whole goal is to spark that initial interest. You click on a video about a 15-ton Jell-O pool and before you know it, you're learning physics. That's the magic.' Each product takes roughly a year to develop, meticulously crafted by a team of engineers, storytellers and, of course, Rober himself. Every build is tested by kids and adults, certified for safety and paired with a cinematic video that delivers scientific concepts through narrative and surprise. 'We measure success not in dollars or subscribers, but in whether we're meaningfully changing kids' interest in STEM,' says Lee. 'And we survey that. Today, nearly every parent says yes, there's a noticeable, material change in their child's interest because of CrunchLabs.' What sets CrunchLabs apart in an era of venture-backed hypergrowth is its bootstrapped, profitable model. Despite the massive scale of its content the company has avoided outside capital in favor of sustainability. 'We've resisted the VC-backed 'growth at all costs' approach,' says Lee. 'We're building something enduring.' That long-term thinking even shapes their internal culture. Every few months, CrunchLabs hosts a 'No Real Work Day,' where the team builds bikes for kids, shares lunch and then plays with their own inventions from Nerf cannons to foam pits. 'People think we're just playing with squirrels in Mark's backyard,' Lee laughs. 'The reality is, it's a highly skilled team doing serious work to change science education forever.' Mark Rober's mission to reach one billion brains is a real, measurable target driving every decision. And with a unique fusion of creator authenticity, educational impact, and product excellence, CrunchLabs is positioning itself as a new model for science education at scale. In a time when traditional science classrooms face underfunding and outdated materials, Rober and his team are building a compelling, scalable alternative - one that just might inspire the next generation of engineers, inventors and problem solvers. And perhaps most importantly, they're making science feel like magic again. This article is based on an interview with Jim Lee from my podcast, The Business of Creators.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Ohio State Marion professors win grant to bring data science to teens
Two Ohio State Marion professors have secured a $20,000 grant to modernize high school math education by integrating data science. According to an announcement, physics Associate Professor Chris Orban and mathematics Associate Professor Scott Zimmerman received the Ohio State Energy Partners Academic Collaboration Award for their project, 'The STEMcoding Data Science High School Curriculum Initiative.' The funding will expand the STEMcoding project, which aims to introduce computer and data science concepts into high school math and science classes. The new curriculum includes hands-on data gathering and analysis activities, as well as exercises where students download data from federal agencies like NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The activities will be shared with a network of teachers who have been involved with the STEMcoding project since its inception in 2017. Ohio State students often contribute to and appear in instructional videos that explain these activities at a level that is appropriate for high school students. These videos are available on the STEMcoding YouTube channel. 'Compared to high school data science efforts at other universities, our curriculum focuses on physical science, atmospheric science, and sustainability,' Zimmerman said in their proposal. The grant will provide resources and training for high school math and science teachers, helping students develop important spreadsheet and computer science skills for the workforce. 'Another big theme in the curriculum is 'data storytelling.' Students need to understand how to ask questions of data, and to focus on those questions as they consider different ways to visualize the results,' Orban said. The professors are eager to expand the curriculum and collaborate with more teachers. Interested educators can fill out an online contact form to learn more. The Ohio State University and Ohio State Energy Partners entered a comprehensive energy management partnership in 2017. As part of its commitment to academic collaboration, OSEP contributes $810,000 annually to the university to support faculty, staff and student-led projects, especially those connected to sustainability. The Office of Academic Affairs at Ohio State administers this program in collaboration with OSEP. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Ohio State Marion professors earn grant to boost math with coding
Entrepreneur
08-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
A Code Ninjas Franchise Empowers Youth with Tech & Education
Code Ninjas is a leading kids' coding franchise that teaches children ages 7-14 how to code by building video games. Are you exploring franchise ownership and looking for an opportunity that combines profitability with purpose? Code Ninjas is a leading kids' coding franchise that teaches children ages 7-14 how to code by building video games in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment using a game-based curriculum. The program is a standout choice in the supplemental education and STEM industry. Benefits of owning a Code Ninjas franchise: 1. Tap Into a High-Demand, Growing Market The demand for coding and STEM education is skyrocketing, with parents eager to equip their children with essential tech skills for the future. 2. Proven Business Model with Comprehensive Support You don't need a background in coding to succeed. Code Ninjas provides a well-established, low-risk business model and a nationally recognized brand. You will receive extensive training, ongoing operational and marketing support 3. Make a Meaningful Impact While Building Your Future Owning a Code Ninjas franchise is more than a business—it's a chance to inspire the next generation. You'll empower kids with critical problem-solving and coding skills while building a business that can offer multiple revenue streams. If you're passionate about education, technology, and entrepreneurship, Code Ninjas could be your perfect path to franchise ownership.
