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Bowman International School Invites Stanford-based STEM Learning Company to Beta Test Product with Students

Bowman International School, an innovative Montessori school serving K-8th grade students in Palo Alto, Calif., has invited a new Stanford-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning company to beta test its hands on, collaborative learning product with dyads of its students and their parents.  DesignDuo provides creative, all-inclusive, STEM-focused toolkits that allow a parent and child to explore new technologies, create cool gadgets using problem solving skills and have quality time to connect with each other during the process. Beta testing of the DesignDuo product will occur at Bowman on Tuesday, January 28, at 6:00 p.m.

Pairs of Bowman parents and students will receive a toolkit that includes a starter lightbox project to make that evening and an engineering challenge to design their own gadgets. All supplies for the projects are included, as well as curriculum cards to guide the learning and inspiration cards to show how these new skills apply to STEM.  DesignDuo was created by two Learning, Design and Technology graduate students at Stanford University who found that emphasizing fun, engaging STEM projects between a trusted adult and child could help encourage more success in STEM fields in the future.

 “Our educational model at Bowman focuses on promoting learning in an experiential way so even core STEM subjects are taught with a unique approach that increases critical thinking, fosters curiosity and broadens the mind and the DesignDuo toolkits incorporate this successful educational method,” said Mary Beth Ricks, Head of School, Bowman International School.  “Our relationships within Stanford University gives our school the opportunity to offer students and families unique programs throughout each year, such as the DesignDuo beta test, that enhance academic, cultural and personal growth.”

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 According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, compared to 9.8 percent growth for non-STEM occupations.  Additionally, STEM workers earn 26 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts. While originally created with a focus on encouraging girls in STEM fields, statistics such as these have encouraged DesignDuo that their product can help all students find long-term success and the beta test at Bowman will be the first to include male students and female parents using the toolkits.

 “Our goal with DesignDuo is to build confidence and interest in STEM and create experiences that appeal to all students so they will self-identify as STEM learners,” said Kirti Patel, Chief Executive Officer, DesignDuo.  “Including all genders in the Bowman beta test is a natural next step in validating that the toolkits can help large numbers of students become more interested in STEM fields in the future and we are honored that Bowman has invited us to work with them. The hands-on learning style promoted at Bowman is an ideal environment for the further testing of our toolkits and we are anxious to note the creativity, collaboration and outcomes from the school.” 

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